Home > About Licensing > Product Licensing Overview

Product Use Rights

The Product Use Rights (PUR) document contains detailed use rights information for products currently offered under Volume Licensing.

Notice: The PUR has a new look making it easier to use; see frequently asked questions for details.

The PUR Explained shows how Microsoft licensing models apply to common IT solutions.

Product List

The Product List for Volume Licensing includes product availability, discontinuations, promotions, migration paths, and Software Assurance benefits.

Product Licensing Search

Locate use rights, points by program, and special notes for individual products as well as supporting documents related to Volume Licensing.

Product Activation and Key Information for Volume Licensing

Microsoft includes product activation technology in some products sold through Volume Licensing. A product key is required to activate these products.

Existing Volume Licensing customers can activate products at the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).

Need help with activating products or obtaining product keys?

For Home Users

Most software bought "off the shelf" or on new PCs requires activation.

Licensing Topics

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Find answers to the most common Microsoft product licensing inquiries from customers like you.

  • Volume Licensing Briefs

    Resources for complex licensing situations including new technologies or multiple products.

  • System Center 2012
  • Office 2010

    Achieve standout results with powerful new ways to create and share your work. Selecting the right suite is easy.

  • Windows 7

    Simplified licensing makes it easy to upgrade so your organization can benefit from enhanced productivity, mobility, and security right away.

  • Licensing for Virtual Environments

    Virtualization technologies offer new ways for your organization to have a more dynamic, cost-effective IT environment.

  • Rental Rights Licenses

    An easy way for organizations to rent, lease, or outsource PCs to third parties with licensed, qualifying Microsoft software.

  • Client Access Licenses (CALs)

    For some server software, CALs may be required to legally access certain server functions.