Help! I got the 32-bit version of Windows Vista and I needed the 64-bit version. Now what?!

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Last week, there was a thread very similar to the one in the title of this post floating around where a client had purchased a Retail Box version of Windows Vista and bought the 32-bit version. Once they got home and opened the box, they then discovered they had grabbed the 32-bit version instead of the 64-bit version they thought they had. Since they opened the box, the product could no longer be returned. So what can their client do now?

Here’s the answer I shared with them so that you can use it if you find yourself in the same position with a client. As long as you have purchased a license of Windows Vista, you can order an alternative set of media (64-bit) if you need the other edition instead, for a nominal fee. You would go to: https://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia to do this. Once there, you will need to supply the 25-character product key that came with your purchase as well as:

  • Your name
  • Your shipping address
  • Credit card information
  • Media choice
  • Your e-mail address

After that, you just need to wait for the alternative media to arrive.

Note: A follow-up post has been added to address the question of, “Is the process the same to get 64-bit Windows Vista media for OEM as it is for Retail?” for those of you with OEM Windows Vista

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman
Microsoft US Senior Manager
Small Business Community Engagement
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

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