Updating Windows 7

Mugsy

Member
Jan 13, 2001
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In preparation for the forthcoming Windows 10 release I want to update my version of Windows 7. It is currently Windows 7 OEM Professional. I also have a retail license for Windows 7 Professional. Can I simply update the key code on the OEM machine with the retail key or will I have to perform a clean install?
 

FrankRamiro

Senior member
Sep 5, 2012
718
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In preparation for the forthcoming Windows 10 release I want to update my version of Windows 7. It is currently Windows 7 OEM Professional. I also have a retail license for Windows 7 Professional. Can I simply update the key code on the OEM machine with the retail key or will I have to perform a clean install?

why isn't your win 7 updated?all you have to do, open system control and check for Win updates and download all win updates for win7 and after that you are set then wait for Win 10 upgrade on July 29 like everybody.
 
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ignatzatsonic

Senior member
Nov 20, 2006
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Frank: I think he wants to upgrade from OEM Pro to Retail Pro, rather than "update" via Windows Update.

Mugsy: I suspect you can do that without a reinstall, but I'd get on the phone to Microsoft for confirmation and let them walk you through it.

As near as I can tell so far, I think all the switch to Retail would do is give you the right to install Win 10 Pro on a succession of new motherboards into the future, just like a retail Win 7 license allows. That can be worthwhile, so check it out with MS.
 

Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
14,559
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If you have a separate retail key, I don't know why you don't just use that upgrade on the machine it is on. Since they are both professional licenses, just use the retail key on another machine.
 

ignatzatsonic

Senior member
Nov 20, 2006
351
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Mugsy:

Here's some instructions I got from a pretty good authority:

You may be able to just change the key at Control Panel/System. It may activate online or you may have to call MS to assure the robot that only one copy is installed. This gives MS activation permission to deactivate on any other previous PC it was installed upon and replace that with the present hardware signature represented by the series of numbers.

If the link is not present to change the Product Key, try this:

https://techjourney.net/slmgr-commands-and-options-for-windows-product-key-kms-token-ad-activation/

If you have a retail upgrade key, you may have to do the "Option 3" workaround here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html
 
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Mugsy

Member
Jan 13, 2001
27
0
66
Frank: I think he wants to upgrade from OEM Pro to Retail Pro, rather than "update" via Windows Update.

Mugsy: I suspect you can do that without a reinstall, but I'd get on the phone to Microsoft for confirmation and let them walk you through it.

As near as I can tell so far, I think all the switch to Retail would do is give you the right to install Win 10 Pro on a succession of new motherboards into the future, just like a retail Win 7 license allows. That can be worthwhile, so check it out with MS.

Thanks ignatzatsonic that is exactly the reason! I had four computers at home not to long ago and a few months ago retired two of them. The Windows 7 Pro retail version I have came off of one of those devices.
 

techmanc

Golden Member
Aug 20, 2006
1,212
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I just bought 2 win 7 pro keys for 60 on ebay I used pro 1 key so far and it was good and got an Ultimate key I needed for 70 on ebay also.

That key worked as well so now ready for Windows 10 Pro when it releases as I already have both of my systems reserved.
 

Sephire

Golden Member
Feb 9, 2011
1,689
3
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I just bought 2 win 7 pro keys for 60 on ebay I used pro 1 key so far and it was good and got an Ultimate key I needed for 70 on ebay also.

That key worked as well so now ready for Windows 10 Pro when it releases as I already have both of my systems reserved.

o_O