Updated: July 11, 2020 (August 31, 2009)
Analyst ReportWindows Anytime Upgrade in Windows 7
Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU) will assist consumers and small businesses that have an edition of Windows 7 but need features available only in a higher edition. Although Microsoft promotes Home Premium for consumers and Professional for business customers, and most customers purchase their preferred Windows edition when it is preinstalled by the OEM, some customers will find they need more. With Windows Anytime Upgrade the user does not need distribution media but can download a key to unlock all the features of a higher version. Although upgrading is straightforward, it could create OEM support issues.
Upgrade Paths
Windows Anytime Upgrade was introduced with Windows Vista, offering upgrades to other editions. However, higher editions of Vista were not always supersets of lower editions, so that in some cases, upgrading could remove some features. Windows 7 eliminates this confusion, since each higher edition is a complete superset of the lower edition. For Windows 7, Microsoft has identified three common WAU paths:
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