Can I run 64 bit in bootcamp and 32 bit in parallels using the same License?

Discussion in 'Installation and Configuration of Parallels Desktop' started by BradleyG2, May 9, 2016.

  1. BradleyG2

    BradleyG2 Bit poster

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    I have Parallels on my Mac Book Pro, and I want to run Windows 8.1 32bit in Parallels.
    Ok I have Windows 8.1 - 64bit running in Bootcamp, and I want to run Windows 8.1 32bit on Parallels because I have a couple older programs that will only run on a 32bit version of windows. Can I use the same Windows license if I'm using Windows 8.1 on the same computer, or is Microsoft going want me to purchase a separate license to run a 64bit and 32bit version of Windows, even though I'm running Windows 8.1 64 bit and 32 bit on the same computer. Its asking for a new serial number in the 32bit Windows, so I able to run it for now. When Windows 8.1 was purchased it came with both 64 bit and 32 bit. I have a license copy of Windows XP that will run the programs, but I would prefer to use Windows 8.1, but I don't want to buy a new copy of windows.
     
  2. Hello BradleyG2,
    It's not possible to run 32 Bit OS in Parallels when its 64 Bit OS in Bootcamp partition when you are trying to import your Bootcamp partition using Parallels Desktop.
    To get a detailed description of importing a Bootcamp partition using Parallels Desktop please refer to this article.
    But if you are trying to make a fresh installation of Windows 8.1 32-Bit OS using Parallels Desktop then you can give a try by using the same license key.
     
  3. BradleyG2

    BradleyG2 Bit poster

    Messages:
    2
    getting late here, but thats what I did, install 32bit Windows 8.1, and it works well, but it keep asking for a licence key, so a some point it may quit, but I will keep looking in to it, but so far parallels works fine, and will work for me, and is worth the purchase, this is going to be more of Microsoft license issue. I may just use Windows XP for these older programs and install 64 bit from the bootcamp partition. I understand the license will transfer there.
     
  4. Hello BradleyG2,
    Sounds great! Feel free to write back to us for assistance, we are here to help.
     

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