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Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows is a PC operating system and a separate product not to be confused with the server operating system, Microsoft Windows Server.

The Microsoft Campus Agreement includes free upgrades to Windows Pro or Windows Enterprise for qualifying OEM licenses (see Conditions below).

OS: Windows
Affiliation: Faculty Staff Students

Eligibility

CU AffiliationEligibility
Alumni
Emeritus Faculty
Faculty & Staff
Persons of Interest (POIs)Types C, D
Retirees
Students
CampusesBoulder

Conditions

The software can be used for:

  • Academic teaching & learning
  • Academic research
  • Administrative (university business)

The software can't be used for:

  • Commercial purposes (for profit)
  • Non-academic research

Where it can be installed

  • University-owned computers
  • Student-owned devices

Where it can't be installed

  • Faculty & staff's personally owned computers (see Documentation below for options)

Other Conditions

The Microsoft Campus Agreement includes upgrade rights to Windows Pro or Windows Enterprise when a full Qualifying Operating System license is purchased with the computer.

  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8/8.1
  • Windows 10/11 Enterprise, Pro, Education, Home

Cost

Microsoft Windows is a free upgrade when the above conditions are met. 

How to get it

University-owned computers

Student-owned computers

  • Visit the Microsoft Education Software website.
  • Sign in using your CU Boulder email address (IdentiKey@colorado.edu) and password. 
  • Select Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11 from the product list.
  • If you don't see Windows 10 or Windows 11, you will need to register your account by following the Student Verification process.

Support

If you need assistance downloading or accessing software, please contact the IT Service Center at oithelp@colorado.edu or 303-735-4357.

Documentation

For personally owned computers, visit the Microsoft website to learn how to get Windows 11 for personal use.