Updated: July 11, 2020 (February 27, 2012)
Charts & IllustrationsUpgrade Paths to Windows 7
There are several ways an older PC might have gained rights to run Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Enterprise. The three primary upgrade paths are shown here. Windows 7 Enterprise has all the capabilities of Windows 7 Professional and adds useful features for PC management, security, and remote access.
An organization might buy a Windows 7 Professional Upgrade license in volume licensing (or at retail) at any time, with or without Software Assurance (SA). Or, the organization might have originally bought SA within 90 days of the purchase of the PC’s Windows 7 Professional license. If SA was still in force when Windows 7 shipped in Sept. 2009, the organization has the right to install and run Windows 7 on the PC.
The paths shown here yield perpetual rights to Windows 7; the organization may continue to use Windows 7 Professional or Enterprise on the PC for the rest of the PC’s lifetime. Several subscription licensing options (not shown) yield temporary rights to Windows 7 Enterprise, including the following:
Atlas Members have full access
Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.
Membership OptionsAlready have an account? Login Now