Can I get a the 64 bit version of Windows 7 from Microsoft if I bought a PC from Dell w/ the 32 bit version? [duplicate]

"Your serial key is valid for either and you should of got a choice when purchasing.

I am not sure if your licence covers you for using them both at the same time even if on the same machine. I think the answer would be no as I asked Microsoft directly a similar question a few years ago.

Your best bet is to ask Dell directly, you bought the machine from them and they should be the ones responsible for this sort of thing."

"You would only have the option to install 32 & 64 bit if you purchased windows 7 as a retail product.

Any operating system bundled with a system will, under most situations always be an OEM product. Which apart from costing you 150$ less then it's retail alternative, is locked to the system it is pre-installed on via the eula agreement you had to agree to when starting your new system.

If you just want to test the 64bit on a different partition I would agree with Molly and install the Trial Enterprise edition of the software. When the trial runs out you can rearm the expiry date 3 times to squeeze another 90 days out of the install. Instructions can be found here"