Windows Operating System Upgrade (Microsoft)

Instructions for Departments

A license to upgrade the Windows Operating System (OS) on University-owned devices is available.

Microsoft is very strict on where this can be installed:

• The computer must have shipped from the vendor or reseller with a qualifying installed operating system; the computer needs to have a Microsoft Windows OS sticker on it.
• Or you must purchase a full OEM license after you've ordered a computer and keep it on file to prove that you own an original Windows license for each computer that does not ship with an OS installed. 

To obtain the upgrade:

1. Check the Qualifying Operating Systems (PDF) to make sure you qualify for the upgrade.
   • If you do not qualify, you will need to purchase a full Operating System license.  You can email [email protected] if you require assistance. 
2. To find out how to request a Windows upgrade for a University-owned device, contact Technology Help.
3. If you require an older or different version of Windows OS that is covered by the UMN's Microsoft EES agreement, please contact Technology Help.

Instructions for Students

Current University of Minnesota students are eligible to get the Microsoft Windows upgrade software. The computer must already have fully functional Windows (or Mac) operating system (often referred to as OEM) installed. 

1. Go to the UMN Kivuto Store site.
2. Scroll down the page and select the Start Shopping button.
3. If you are not authenticated already, sign in with your UMN internet ID and password.
4. Select the Windows 10 or Windows 11 link or icon. Remember this is an upgrade license and you must have a full license for Windows OS before you can legally use the upgrade.
5. Select the Add to Cart button.
6. Select the cart icon on the maroon toolbar at the top of the page.
7. Select the Add button for any options you want to add.
8. Select the Check Out button.
9. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA). It is a legal document between you and Microsoft. If you leave employment at the University of Minnesota you are required to remove the software obtained through this program from your computer.
10. Select the Accept button.
11. Follow the prompts to complete your purchase. For additional fees you can also order physical media for back up purposes.