Types of Windows licenses. Types of Windows licenses Windows 10 licensing program

18.09.2024

Windows 10 Enterprise

There are two base offerings for Windows 10 Enterprise: Windows 10 Enterprise E3 and Windows 10 Enterprise E5. Both can be purchased on a per-device or per-user basis. They are only available under Volume Licensing.

Windows 10 Enterprise E3

Windows 10 Enterprise E3 offers access to Windows 10 Enterprise and includes advanced protection against advanced security threats, multiple operating system deployment and upgrade options, and comprehensive device and app management. Some Volume Licensing programs offer Windows 10 Enterprise E3 with Software Assurance.

Windows 10 Enterprise E5

Windows 10 Enterprise E5 is the latest offering for customers who want all the benefits of E3, plus Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) in Windows Defender is a new service that helps enterprises detect, investigate, and respond to complex attacks on their networks.

Windows Defender ATP, which builds on existing Windows 10 security features, adds a new layer to the Windows 10 security stack that is designed to handle threats already in the environment. By combining the client technologies built into Windows 10 with a powerful cloud service, the tool helps enterprises discover threats that have successfully traversed other defense lines, understand how endpoints were affected, and get recommendations on how to respond.

Software Assurance for Windows

Windows Software Assurance licensing per device

You can license Software Assurance for Windows on a device as follows:

When you purchase a license to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise through the Volume Licensing program, you can also purchase Software Assurance for that license.
To access the benefits of Software Assurance for Windows when using devices (such as thin clients) that do not qualify for the program, you can purchase a VDA for Windows subscription.

Software Assurance licensing for Windows per user

When licensing Windows Enterprise per user, there are 3 options: Windows 10 Enterprise E3, Windows 10 Enterprise E5, and VDA for Windows. This allows companies to tailor Windows licensing to their users, choose the most flexible way to deploy and access the OS on different devices, and simplify Windows licensing and management. User licensing helps you:

provide employees with access to Windows Enterprise on any device;
choose in which format to provide the operating system - locally, using virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or Windows To Go*;
simplify licensing by counting users instead of counting all their different devices, and implement Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) without having to waste time keeping track of all devices and licenses.

For more help choosing the right user licensing option and a more detailed description of access rights to Windows Enterprise and other Software Assurance benefits, see (PDF, 959 KB).

Is the update real?

If in Windows 7 an integrated authentication mechanism was used, then with the development of the “ten” Windows Genuine Advantage disappeared. But Microsoft also took a different path, limiting users who installed unlicensed Windows 10 (for which there is no key) only slightly. And the main difference is that during an update from a “seven” or “eight”, the new operating system asks for a key, without which the procedure is impossible. Without entering the key, the “Next” button is not activated, and the user has no choice but to complete the installation of the update. So the authors of any pirated assembly do nothing more than promote their creations, although it is possible to bypass the license key, but in very rare cases.

But the problem is quickly solved by disconnecting the network connection when installing the update to Windows 10. If the key was in the old system, it will be activated automatically the first time you log into your account.

Installing pirated "top ten"

Installing Windows 10, for which there is no key, begins by downloading the operating system image. To download an ISO file, you need to use the Media Creation Tools.

We go to the Windows 10 downloads section of the Microsoft website and click “Download Tool” to download a tool that allows you to get an image with the Tens installation files and deploy it on a flash drive.

Select the first option and click “Next”.

We select the Russian language, in the “Edition” line it is better to choose the Pro edition, and decide on the bit depth of the future “ten”.
Click “Next”.

In the window for creating a flash drive with installation files, select creating media for another PC, that is, move the checkbox to the first position to create a flash drive for installing Windows 10 without a key.

When you download the image, you can, in the first case the flash drive will be formatted and the installation files will be written to it.

Select the drive and click “Next”.

Subsequently, the distribution will begin downloading and deploying to the removable drive, which may take time.

When the recording is complete, a window will appear symbolizing success.

Installation

The installation process is unremarkable, but we will still consider it due to the presence of one feature.

We restart the computer and go to the “Boot Menu”, called by F2, F9, F11 or another key after initializing the BIOS.
In it, select the option “USB Hard Drive” or similar (in different BIOS versions the name may differ, and it may contain the name of the manufacturer of your flash drive).

We click on any key until the BIOS transfers control of loading the computer to the bootloader located on the HDD.

Select the language options and click “Install”.

Let's get acquainted and accept the terms of use of the new Windows.

Select an acceptable OS installation option.

Here we come across a nuance for which it was worth considering the steps to install the “ten” without a key.

In the window that appears, where you are asked to enter the key received by mail when purchasing the OS, enter it. If you don’t have it, which is the more common option, then simply click “Skip”, since the “Next” button is not active.

Select the drive to which you want to unpack Windows 10 files.

For the next ~15 minutes, user intervention in the copying and updating process is not required.

We indicate the key parameters of the new OS for which there is no key, or use standard parameters.

Create an account.

After logging into your account, you will not notice any strange things: everything is updated and functioning properly, but after a few days a warning will appear in the lower corner that Windows requires a key.

When you go to “Control Panel” or “Settings”, the message “Windows is not activated” will appear.

Limitations in an OS without a key relate to its customization, that is, the ability to configure the appearance of the desktop, lock screen, window design, sound settings and unauthorized placement of desktop shortcuts is disabled.

But, as mentioned earlier, you can get around this ban quite simply - disconnect the connection to the network. As a result, you will have full access to the Personalization menu and can change anything. After access to the Internet appears, oddly enough, the settings are not reset, as was the case, for example, with deleting the screensaver in Windows 7 without a key.

In all other respects, your Windows 10 will be practically no different from the one purchased for several thousand rubles: everything will function properly, occasionally prompting the user to activate the operating system, reminding the user that it requires a key when entering the “Control Panel” and “Settings”, and also nowhere the inscription in the lower left part of the screen will not disappear.

Activation

If you want to support the non-distressed Microsoft corporation and purchase Windows 10, stop by the store. The Pro version will cost 4,600 rubles. In case you get the key to activate the “ten” in a different way, you can enter it in the “Activation” tab in the “Update, security” item of the operating system parameters.

Users who purchased the upgrade through the store or are members of the Insider program will not need a Windows 10 key, as it is tied to the PC hardware.

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The rules have changed dramatically.

Windows licensing has always been opaque and nebulous. For example, Windows 7 had a retail version, an OEM version, and enterprise editions. In theory, the OEM version (that is, when the OS shipped with new computer hardware) was tied to the hardware it shipped with. Retail retail versions were “portable”, and the user was able to transfer his copy of Windows 7 from one computer to another, provided that the system would no longer be used on the old machine. Most retail versions were used specifically for installation on modernized machines or computers with manual assembly of individual components. Typically you would have to re-authorize your copy of Windows for the new system, but in most cases this was just a formality.

In the long run, portability is not a feature of the free version of Windows 10. When you install Windows 10, Microsoft's activation servers create and store a unique identifier based on the old key and the current machine's hardware configuration. The new Windows 10 will be tied to the updated system, and the original Windows 7/8.1 key will no longer be valid. (This way, you will be able to roll back to Windows 7, but you will not be able to run the original OS and Windows 10 at the same time, for example, in a virtual machine or in multi-OS mode at boot).

Comment from a Microsoft official: “ After the first year, you will no longer be able to transfer the copy to another device, because... The update is tied to a specific computer, not a license or Windows account. One year after the release of Windows 10, if the device has not been updated to Windows, the user will need to separately purchase a copy of Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store or from authorized Microsoft product distributors”.

The best part is that if you end up buying the retail version of Windows 10, you will be able to freely move it from one computer to another - this version comes with a portable feature.

However, you can still upgrade your Windows 10 system. Just as with previous versions of Windows (usually tied to the Windows Genuine Advantage program), you will need to call Microsoft to reactivate your license if you change the main components of your computer after upgrading to Windows 10 (many users find this annoying, but in reality it is not a very painful process).

Unfortunately, the criteria for changes that require system reactivation are quite vague. For example, when adding RAM, re-activation is not required, but when replacing the motherboard, it is required (in OEM versions, replacing the motherboard is only allowed if the PC is still under warranty).

Upgrading from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit

Retail versions of Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 included two installation media - one for 32-bit systems and one for 64-bit systems. The free version of Windows 10 allows you to upgrade only to a system with the same bitness as the original system. In other words, you can only upgrade a 32-bit Windows 7 to a 32-bit version of Windows 10. Assuming that no one wants to upgrade a 64-bit system to a 32-bit system, then to upgrade from a 32-bit system to a 64-bit system you need will perform a clean installation of the original Windows 7/8.1 using the 64-bit installation media, and then upgrade to Windows 10.

Upgrade only to similar versions

The Windows 10 Free Update does not allow you to upgrade your version of Windows. If you own a Win7 Starter, Home Basic, or Home Premium license, you will receive Windows 10 Home, and if you have Windows 7/8.1 Pro, you will receive Windows 10 Pro respectively. Windows 7 Ultimate license holders will also receive Windows 10 Pro due to the lack of an Ultimate version of Windows 10.

Some Windows users are complaining about the lack of Media Center in Windows 10. The corresponding page on the Microsoft web portal notes that on some systems you can get a DVD playing application for free from the Windows Store. Other users will be able to purchase this application. Of course, there are a large number of good third-party players on the Internet.

On the corresponding page of the Microsoft website there is a whole list of functions that are no longer available.

Yes, it's free, but with some caveats. As has been repeatedly reported, this free update will be available until July 2016. After this period, if you did not have time to take advantage of the free update, you will need to purchase Windows 10.

Everything can change. Apple users also always expect free OS updates. For example, an iPhone can be upgraded for free until the new OS stops supporting older hardware. In some cases, you may still get the new OS, but the smartphone will not use some of the new features. At that moment, users usually change the phone to a new one, because... The old device won't hold a charge, but the larger screens and new features look tempting.

After all, Microsoft could adapt a similar business model: the operating system is just a platform for highly profitable services and software. But as the TechNet UK blog points out, the current free version of Windows 10 has no expiration date - you won't have to pay for it in two or three years. Be that as it may, Microsoft plans to add new features to Windows 10, and at some point, some features may not work on your computer, or your device may stop receiving future updates altogether.

Is it possible to run Windows 10 in a virtual machine in dual boot mode?

Many cautious users tend to leave Windows 7 or Windows 8 on their machines, installing Windows 10 on a second disk or logical partition. Typically, they want to copy or image a Windows 7 installation, upgrade to Windows 10, and then restore the system to its original state on a different drive or partition. Sorry, but such actions are not allowed. If Windows 10 is installed, it takes over the original Windows 7/8.1 license. Within a month after the update, Windows 10 allows you to downgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, but in this case the new OS is removed.

As always with Windows, virtual copies must have their own licenses, separate from the host systems. As mentioned in the TechNet UK blog, a Windows 10 license “allows you to install only one copy of the software for use on only one device, whether it is physical or virtual. If you want to use the software on multiple devices, you need to purchase separate OS licenses for each of them.”

Windows as a service

The old Windows update model (XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8) seems to have fallen into disuse. The new model is confusing for long-term Windows users. It assumes that for a specific machine you will only need to pay for Windows once - when you buy a new PC, order a retail version, or register for volume licensing. The main features of the “Windows as a Service” concept are:

You don't have to pay for Windows multiple times when using the same hardware - you always have the latest version;
No more erasing and reinstalling updates;
Vendors and software developers can ensure that 90 percent of users have the same build.

Microsoft expects that the vast majority of users using the same version of the OS will simplify the process of developing third-party applications.

Enterprise customers should note: To upgrade to Windows 10, you must have a valid Software Assurance contract. If you simply purchased a Windows 7 Enterprise license, you do not have the right to upgrade to the new OS. Customers with a signed contract will be able to log into the Microsoft License Center and download the Enterprise edition. You will also need to renew your current Software Assurance contract to receive future Windows 10 updates.

Free does not mean without some costs. It probably comes as no surprise to many that the free update comes with limitations. Some may find them not too onerous, but you should familiarize yourself with them before upgrading. Whether you can work under these restrictions is up to you. If they are too critical, we remind you that although Windows 7 will not receive new improvements, Microsoft will fix bugs and security issues for this OS until January 14, 2020, and support for Windows 8 expires in 2023.

Software Microsoft Windows 10- a new universal operating system that is designed for all types of devices. These devices include not only personal computers, laptops, tablets, but also smartphones, TVs, various boards and industrial devices used for Internet of Things scenarios. Windows 10 also offers an improved user interface, which, on the one hand, remains familiar to Windows 8 users, on the other hand, has acquired several new useful features, for example, the Start menu, Cortana voice assistant, a new notification center and more. Additionally, Windows 10 offers a new browser codenamed Spartan and an Xbox app.

Familiar and improved Windows 10 is familiar and easy to use, with many similarities to Windows 7, including the Start menu. It starts and resumes quickly, includes more built-in security features, and works with the software and hardware you already own.

Browse the web with Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge lets you go from finding information to working with it faster. The user can write or print notes directly on web pages, as well as share them with them, read articles without interference, and save the materials they like so that they can easily return to them later.

Convenient desktop organization. The user can do work faster by organizing his desktop more conveniently. You can pin up to four items on one screen at a time and create virtual desktops if you need more space or want to group items by project.

New Windows Store unifies the shopping experience across all Windows 10 devices.

Built-in Applications Windows 10 includes great built-in apps like Maps, Photos, Mail, Calendar, Music, and Movies & TV. These apps back up data to OneDrive, which is then synced across all of the user's Windows 10 devices.

Continuum function. The user can connect a monitor, mouse and keyboard to use the Windows 10 phone as a computer for work or to watch movies on the big screen.

Windows Hello feature. With Windows Hello, your device recognizes you by their appearance, providing added security, convenience, and even a friendly greeting.

Available editions of Microsoft Windows 10:

Windows 10 Home— this edition is intended for PCs, tablets and hybrid devices. The home version received all the announced innovations, including Cortana, Microsoft Edge, Windows Hello, support for Continuum mode, a set of new universal applications such as Photos, Music, Video, Maps, Mail and Calendar. , as well as Xbox.
Windows 10 Pro is a “desktop” operating system developed based on Windows 10 Home. The version was created with an eye on the needs of small businesses, allows you to effectively manage devices and applications, protect confidential data, supports scenarios for the most productive remote and mobile use, and allows you to take advantage of various cloud technologies. With Windows 10 Pro, you can use Windows Update for Business to lower your maintenance costs, gain full control over your update installation, and get faster access to security updates and the latest Microsoft innovations.
Windows 10 Enterprise version(powered by Windows 10 Pro) has advanced features designed to meet the needs of medium to large organizations. This edition places special emphasis on protection against modern security threats and supports a broader set of tools for managing devices, applications, and the operating system. A business version of Windows Update is available for this edition, as well as the Long Term Servicing Branch, a special update branch for critical devices and environments.
Windows 10 Education Edition intended for educational institutions, can be used by staff, administrators, teachers and students. This edition will be available under a special licensing program, but schools and students will be able to upgrade their Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro devices to Windows 10 Education if they wish.
Designed for small touch devices Windows 10 Mobile. This edition will include the same universal applications that are included in Windows 10 Home, as well as a new touch version of Office. Some new devices with Windows 10 Mobile will be able to use Continuum mode for phones. For those who use their smartphone or tablet at work, Windows 10 Mobile offers enhanced features to ensure maximum productivity, security, and manageability of your device.
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise edition Designed for large businesses, it combines all the features of Windows 10 Mobile with more flexible tools for managing updates. In addition, security updates and various innovative features will be released faster for this response.

For small, simple embedded devices, Windows 10 IoT Core will be offered, and special versions of Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise will be provided for industrial devices such as robots, ATMs, hand-held terminals, and so on.

The free upgrade to Windows 10 ended on July 29, 2016, according to Microsoft, and the upgrade option for people with disabilities ended at the end of 2017. This means that if Windows 7 or 8.1 is installed on your computer and you have not updated on the specified date, having decided not to upgrade to Windows 10, then officially in the future you will need to buy a new OS if you want to install it on your computer (we're talking about the licensed version, of course). However, there is a way to get around this limitation in 2018.

On the one hand, the decision not to receive an update, but to stay on the current version of the operating system for someone can be quite balanced and justified. On the other hand, you can imagine a situation where you might regret not updating for free. An example of this situation: you have a fairly powerful computer and you play games, but “sit” on Windows 7, and a year later you discover that all newly released games are designed for DirectX 12 in Windows 10, which is not supported in 7.

Update 2018: this method no longer works. After the completion of the main free update program, a new page appeared on the official Microsoft website - it says that users who use accessibility features can also update for free. At the same time, no check of limited capabilities is carried out, the only thing is that by clicking the “Update Now” button, you confirm that you are the user who requires special system capabilities (by the way, the On-Screen Keyboard is also a special feature and many people find it useful). At the same time, as reported, this update will be available indefinitely.

After clicking the button, the executable file is downloaded to start the update (it is required that a licensed version of one of the previous systems be installed on the computer). At the same time, the bootable system is normal; special features are enabled manually by the user if necessary. Address of the official update page: https://microsoft.com/ru-ru/accessibility/windows10upgrade (It is unknown how long this update feature will work. If anything changes, please notify me in the comments).

Additional information: If you received a Windows 10 update before July 29, but then uninstalled this OS, then you can, on the same computer, and when asked for a key during installation, click “I don’t have a key” - the system will be activated automatically when you connect to the Internet.

Install Windows 10 for free after completing the Microsoft Update program

To begin with, I note that I cannot guarantee the performance of this method, since at this point in time it will not be possible to verify this. However, there is every reason to believe that he is working, provided that at the time you read this article, July 29, 2016 has not yet arrived.

The essence of the method is as follows:

, wait for activation.
We roll back to the previous system, see. On the topic of this step, I also recommend reading the end of the current instructions with additional useful information.

What happens: with a free update, activation is assigned to the current equipment (digital entitlement), as I wrote about earlier in the article.

After the “attachment” is completed, it is possible (or disk) on the same computer or laptop, including without entering a key (click “I don’t have a key” in the installation program) with subsequent automatic activation when connected to the Internet.

At the same time, there is no information that the specified binding is limited in time. Hence the assumption that if you perform the “Update” - “Rollback” cycle, then when necessary, you will be able to install Windows 10 in the activated edition (Home, Professional) on the same computer at any time, even after the free update period has expired .

I hope the essence of the method is clear and, perhaps, some of the readers will find the method useful. I just can’t recommend it to users for whom the theoretically possible need to reinstall the OS manually (rollback does not always work as expected) poses great difficulties.

Additional information

Since rolling back from Windows 10 to previous operating systems using the system's built-in tools does not always work smoothly, a more preferable option (or as a safety net) may be to either create a full backup copy of the current version of Windows, for example, using the instructions (the methods also work for other versions of the OS ), or temporary cloning of the system disk to another disk () with subsequent recovery.

And if something goes wrong, you can do a clean installation of Windows 7 or 8 on a computer or laptop (but not as a second OS, but as the main one) or if you have one.