Microsoft Windows | Microsoft Licensing Resources (2024)

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Windows 11 will be delivered as an upgrade to eligible devices running Windows 10, beginning later in the 2021 calendar year. Windows 11 will also be available on eligible new devices.

For administrators managing devices on behalf of their organization, Windows 11 will be available through the same, familiar channels that you use today for Windows 10 feature updates. You will be able to use existing deployment and management tools, such as Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Windows Autopilot. For more information, seePlan for Windows 11.

For devices that are not managed by an organization, the Windows 11 upgrade will be offered to eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update using Microsoft's intelligent rollout process to ensure a smooth upgrade experience.

For more information about device eligibility, seeWindows 11 requirements.

Windows 11 Enterprise

Windows 11 Enterprise is licensed as an upgrade license to Windows Pro. Windows 11 Enterprise may be licensed through the Windows Enterprise per device license, the Windows Enterprise E3 per user license, or the Windows Enterprise E5 per user license. Users without Windows Pro devices to upgrade from may still license Windows Enterprise for remote virtualization scenarios with the Windows VDA E3 or E5 license.

Windows 11 Enterprise E3

Windows 11 Enterprise E3 provides access to Windows 11 Enterprise edition, and includes a set of Windows cloud services that enable advanced protection against modern security threats, a broad range of options for operating system deployments and updates, and comprehensive device and application management. Learn morehere.

Windows 11 Enterprise E5

Windows 11 Enterprise E5 includes everything in Windows 11 Enterprise E3with the addition of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint—a security service that helps enterprises detect, investigate, and respond to advanced attacks on their networks.

Building on the existing security defenses in Windows 11 Enterprise E3, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides a post-breach layer of protection to the Windows 10 security stack. With a combination of client technology built into Windows 11 and a robust cloud service, it can help detect threats that have made it past other defenses, provide enterprises with information to investigate the breach across endpoints, and offer response recommendations.

FAQ

Windows11 has all the power and security of Windows10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC. Some Windows10 features are not available in Windows11, seeWindows11 Specifications.

Windows11 offers new productivity features and functionality designed to meet the challenges of the hybrid world, with a completely refreshed look and feel that helps you get more done with less stress.

The upgrade to Windows11 is for the same edition as you have on your Windows 10 device. Devices with Windows10 Pro installed will be upgraded to Windows11 Pro. Devices running Windows10 Enterprise will upgrade to Windows11 Enterprise. Windows11 Pro will not offer Windows11 Pro in S mode, so you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade.

Learn more aboutWindows11 Enterprise.

Yes, Microsoft is committed to ensuring your applications work on the latest versions of our software and Windows11 has been built with compatibility in mind. Our promise states that apps that worked on Windows 7/8.1/10 will work on Windows11. If you have App Assure, Microsoft will help you fix them at no cost. App Assure is a service that helps customers resolve application issues that they may experience when deploying the latest version of our software. App Assure is available at no additional cost for eligible customers with 150+ seats. For more information on eligibility requirements, please navigate tothis page. Visit theApp Assure pageand sign in to submit your request for assistance for a dedicated App Assure Manager. If you experience any issues submitting a request for assistance, please contactACHELP@microsoft.comand one of our team members will assist you.

Windows11 is based on the same foundation of Windows 10, so it will support the same management tools that you use today with Windows 10.

Theminimum hardware requirements are available here.

If you’d like to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements,download and run the PC Health Check app.

Yes! Windows10 continues to be a great version of Windows. We have committed to supporting Windows10 through October 14, 2025.

An update can consist of bug and security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. They tend to roll out throughout the year. An upgrade is when you change versions—for example, moving from Windows10 to Windows11, or moving editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro.

Most devices available for purchase now will be upgradeable to Windows11. You will have the option to upgrade, clean install, or reimage Windows10 devices to move to Windows11. For Windows7 devices that meet hardware requirements, you will need to clean install or reimage to go directly to Windows11.

Windows11 provides a familiar modern and refreshed interface that helps increase productivity and enhances the collaboration experience for end users while maintaining consistent management for IT managed devices.

Yes. After you have installed the Windows11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. After the 10 days, you will need to back up your data and do a “clean install” to move back to Windows10.

Windows11 has been built on the same core as Windows 10 so you’ll continue with the same experience you’re accustomed to.

Yes, you will be able to use Windows Autopilot for Windows11 devices.

As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information and can provide insights on various topics. While I don't have personal experiences or emotions like a human, I can still provide valuable information based on the data I have been trained on.

Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article you provided:

Windows 11 Upgrade for Eligible Devices

Windows 11 will be delivered as an upgrade to eligible devices running Windows 10, starting later in the 2021 calendar year This means that if you have a device running Windows 10, you may be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The upgrade will be available through Windows Update using Microsoft's intelligent rollout process to ensure a smooth upgrade experience .

Windows 11 Availability for Organizations

For administrators managing devices on behalf of their organization, Windows 11 will be available through the same channels used for Windows 10 feature updates This means that existing deployment and management tools, such as Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Windows Autopilot, can be used for Windows 11 as well.

Windows 11 Enterprise Licensing

Windows 11 Enterprise is licensed as an upgrade license to Windows Pro It can be licensed through the Windows Enterprise per device license, the Windows Enterprise E3 per user license, or the Windows Enterprise E5 per user license If users do not have Windows Pro devices to upgrade from, they can still license Windows Enterprise for remote virtualization scenarios with the Windows VDA E3 or E5 license.

Windows 11 Enterprise E3 and E5

Windows 11 Enterprise E3 provides access to the Windows 11 Enterprise edition and includes a set of Windows cloud services that enable advanced protection against modern security threats, a broad range of options for operating system deployments and updates, and comprehensive device and application management Windows 11 Enterprise E5 includes everything in Windows 11 Enterprise E3, with the addition of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, a security service that helps enterprises detect, investigate, and respond to advanced attacks on their networks.

Windows 11 Compatibility and Support

Windows 11 has been built with compatibility in mind, and Microsoft is committed to ensuring that applications that worked on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 will work on Windows 11 If users have any application issues when deploying the latest version of Microsoft software, they can seek assistance through the App Assure service, which helps customers resolve application issues at no additional cost for eligible customers with 150+ seats.

Windows 11 Management Tools and Hardware Requirements

Windows 11 is based on the same foundation as Windows 10, so it will support the same management tools used with Windows 10 The minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 can be found on the Microsoft website Users can also download and run the PC Health Check app to see if their current PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11.

Upgrading to Windows 11 and Reverting to Windows 10

Most devices available for purchase now will be upgradeable to Windows 11, and users will have the option to upgrade, clean install, or reimage Windows 10 devices to move to Windows 11 After installing the Windows 11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where users can move back to Windows 10 while keeping their files and data. After the 10 days, a "clean install" will be required to move back to Windows 10.

Windows Autopilot for Windows 11 Devices

Windows Autopilot can be used for Windows 11 devices, providing a streamlined and user-friendly way to set up and configure new devices.

Please note that the information provided above is based on the search results I found and may be subject to change. It's always a good idea to refer to official Microsoft documentation or contact Microsoft support for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Windows 11.

Microsoft Windows  | Microsoft Licensing Resources (2024)
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