Windows Anytime Upgrade

With Windows Anytime Upgrade, you can add new features to Windows 7 and do more with your PC. It’s easy, quick, and you’ll keep your programs, files, and settings.

All you have to do is buy an upgrade key from Microsoft or a local retail store to unlock those shiny new features. Windows Anytime Upgrade will walk you through the upgrade process step by step. To learn more, see Windows Anytime Upgrade: frequently asked questions .

Getting started
1.Decide whether you want to purchase the upgrade online or to go to a local retail store to buy a Windows Anytime Upgrade key.

2.Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor . It can help you determine which features and editions of Windows 7 will run on your PC.

3.On your PC, open Windows Anytime Upgrade by clicking the Start button, typing Windows Anytime Upgrade in the search box, and then clicking Windows Anytime Upgrade in the list of results.

4.Follow the instructions on the screen for online purchases or follow the instructions that came with your upgrade key.

Notes

•You can use Windows Anytime Upgrade to upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows 7 to a 32-bit version of Windows 7 and from a 64-bit version of Windows 7 to a 64-bit version of Windows 7, but you can’t upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows 7 to a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or vice versa.

•Windows Anytime Upgrade is only available for online purchase in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

•Windows Anytime Upgrade isn’t available in all editions of Windows 7.