Windows 7 Professional Upgrade 64-Bit (Includes Software Assurance)

A newer edition of Windows is available through CTX Programme. For help deciding whether to request the latest edition, see CTX Programmes Upgrading to Windows 8: Four Questions to Consider.

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Windows 7 Professional is the professional edition of the previous Microsoft operating system. Compared to Windows Vista, it features enhanced performance, a simplified interface, expanded search capabilities, and more secure networking. This 64-bit version operates on a computer with a 64-bit processor and 64-bit drivers.

This donation provides one upgrade license. Request one license for this product for each computer on which you will install it.

Editions You Can Upgrade From

Only certain editions of the Windows operating system qualify for upgrades under CTX Programmes Volume Licensing agreements with Microsoft. To install this operating system, you must have a licensed installation of one of the following operating systems on the device where you are installing the upgrade:

•    Windows Vista Enterprise, Business, or Ultimate
•    Windows XP Professional or Tablet PC
•    Windows 2000 Professional
•    Windows NT Workstation 4.0
•    Windows 98 SE

You cannot upgrade from any Home edition of Windows. If your device doesn't meet the requirements for an upgrade product, you might be eligible for a full operating system license through Microsoft's Get Genuine Windows Agreement for Small and Medium Organisations programme.

Benefits for Organisations

You should consider requesting Windows 7 Professional if:

•    Your organization uses software that is not compatible with Windows 8, the latest edition of Windows
•    You need to upgrade a PC running an older version of Windows, and most of the computers at your organisation are already running Windows 7

Major Capabilities

•    Windows Search: Conduct a systemwide search for programs, documents, pictures, music, and email. When you start typing in the Start menu search box, results will appear even before the search terms are completely entered.
•    Action Center: View consolidated maintenance and security alerts in one place and choose exactly when alerts should be sent.
•    Simplified networking: Use the Domain Join and HomeGroup networking features to more simply connect to an office domain or share printers, documents, pictures, music, and video on a network.
•    Improved power management: Reduce power consumption to save energy through automatic screen dimming, powering off unused ports, and a more accurate battery-life indicator.

Service Pack 1

Service Pack 1 includes all previously released security, performance, and stability updates for Windows 7.

Installing Windows 7

Unless you are upgrading from Windows Vista, this installation requires a "clean install." This means that if the computer has an existing operating system, you must remove all operating system files and applications, install the system, and reinstall the applications. For complete information, see CTX Programmes 

Upgrading to Windows 7: Steps and Checklist.

Windows 7 Professional requires significant system resources, as detailed below. It is likely that PCs currently running an operating system older than Windows Vista might not be able to run Windows 7. For a good start on evaluating whether to upgrade, see CTX Programmes Should You Upgrade to Windows 7?

Important Volume Licensing Information

With Windows 7, your organization can choose between two types of volume license keys for product activation: a Key Management Service (KMS) license key or a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). A Key Management Service (KMS) key for Windows 8 is available by default on the Microsoft Volume Licensing website; that is, this is the only type of key you will see unless you request a MAK.

A KMS key requires at least 25 computers on a network for activation. If your organization has fewer than 25 computers, you should request a MAK from the Volume Licensing website after receiving this product.

You have 30 days to complete activation. See Microsoft’s

Activate Windows 7 on this computer.

Obtaining This Product

Installing this product requires installation media and a license key. The license key allows you to use the installation media to install the product on as many computers as you have received licenses for.

Expect three emails:
1.    When your donation request has been approved, CTX Programme will send a message to your organisation email address confirming the number of licenses you have requested.
2.    Microsoft will send an email welcoming your organisation to the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
3.    CTX Programme will send an email with information about managing your donation at the VLSC. If you are new to the VLSC, you should wait for this email before you register there.

Software Assurance

Under the Software Assurance programme, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.