Overview

Microsoft Windows is an operating system with a graphical user interface.

Eligible Users

  • Faculty
    • use permitted
  • Staff
    • use permitted
  • Students
    • use not permitted
  • Health Sciences Affiliates
    • use not permitted

Allowed Uses

  • Administrative
    • use permitted
  • Research
    • use permitted
  • Teaching and Learning
    • use permitted
  • Personal
    • use not permitted

Terms of Use

Access to software licensed by the University is based on University affiliation and sometimes the device on which the software is installed.

It is your responsibility to make sure you are using the software in accordance with the University's Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy and software terms and conditions, plus any vendor terms listed below.

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. 

Getting Started

  1. Check the Qualifying Operating Systems 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.

Costs

UMN provides to those eligible for no charge.

Additional Resources

Find Software
Windows
Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet