Installing 64-bit Windows 8 on tablet currently running 32-bit W7.

The Release Preview expires on 1/15/2013. I don't know if that means it will stop working entirely or just start popping up nag screens, but that's the date I've heard.

Quote from Jeffbx : Yes - IIRC this is how it was with Win7. You *might* be able to do an in-place upgrade (install a retail version over the preview, and keep your data & settings), but if they do it the same way they have in the past, you won't be able to just enter a new key & keep going.

Quote from FlashX83 : The Release Preview expires on 1/15/2013. I don't know if that means it will stop working entirely or just start popping up nag screens, but that's the date I've heard.

Thanks for clarifying. The free msft download is not for me (I am the OP). I just have to wait it out until hopefully a 32-bit download surfaces from a msft authorized outlet...hopefully it will accept the (64-bit) key that I have.

Quote from new_berlin : So the consumer preview is only meant as a temporary solution, right? If I understand you correctly, I cannot just type in a non-free key later to convert it (via updates) into a retail/perpetual equivalent. Even if the procedure/config in the computerworld link you provided works to upgrade to final-release, it's still going to expire-- forcing a wipe-and-reinstall with a separately purchased W8 copy.

The consumer preview is really just if you want to try the new version, that is better optimized for the touch interface, decide if it works well on your device, etc.

The link I provided was directions to move from your current consumer preview to the final release. I dont think it would force a wipe and reinstall. From my quick glance it was an inplace upgrade. Upgrading to the final release would mean it wont expire.

Quote from new_berlin : Thanks for clarifying. The free msft download is not for me (I am the OP). I just have to wait it out until hopefully a 32-bit download surfaces from a msft authorized outlet...hopefully it will accept the (64-bit) key that I have.

At least on Windows 7 a key was a key. There was no such thing as a 32 or 64 bit key. http://answers.microsoft.com/en-u...df726f0a03

If I had a Windows touch machine right now, I wouldn't hesitate for one second to put 8 on it.
What's the difference in the end? If I stay with Win 7 or install 8, I would still have to do an installation job later on, when I finally get my own purchased copy of Win 8.... but if I installed 8 right now, I'd be using an OS with a touch interface. It's a no brainer.