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Windows 7 Upgrade Option

Frequently asked questions

FAQ 

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How does the Windows 7 Upgrade Option work?

The Windows 7 Upgrade Option is available through participating PC manufacturers on selected PCs and through Microsoft on qualifying purchases of Windows Vista packaged product. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option applies to Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate editions. Your copy of Windows 7 will be the comparable version: so you'll get Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, or Windows 7 Ultimate, respectively. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option program runs from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. Individual manufacturers may choose to offer the option for a shorter period on their PCs. Offer details, prices, and delivery methods will vary. For details on new PC purchases, please check the manufacturer's web site. For purchases of retail packaged software, please go to the Windows 7 Upgrade Option fulfillment site for retail packaged software

What is the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program?

Specified PCs that are pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, or Windows Vista Ultimate may qualify for a copy of the equivalent Windows 7 product. Similarly, in some markets, retail packaged Windows Vista software products (sold separately from PCs) may also qualify for a copy of the equivalent Windows 7 product. The Windows 7 products will be provided to qualifying customers after Windows 7 becomes available on October 22, 2009.

What are the "equivalent" Windows 7 products for Windows Vista?

Windows Vista Home Premium -> Windows 7 Home Premium
Windows Vista Business -> Windows 7 Professional
Windows Vista Ultimate -> Windows 7 Ultimate

How can I tell if the PC or software program qualifies for the offer?

Please consult your retailer or PC manufacturer to see if it is included in the program. A good place to start looking for information is our Windows 7 Upgrade Option page.

What if I don’t see my PC manufacturer listed on the Windows 7 Upgrade Option page?

Many additional PC manufacturers are participating in the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program. Please check with your PC manufacturer or retailer for more information about their offer. If you have an upgrade offer form already and wish to place an order, please reference the ordering information on that form.

I bought a new PC with Windows Vista Home Premium in July 2009. Why don’t I qualify for the Windows 7 Upgrade Option offer?

Participation in the Windows 7 Upgrade Option is decided by the PC manufacturers. There are costs associated with implementing the offers so they may opt out of the program for certain models, particular timeframes, or in specific markets. We encourage customers to work with their PC manufacturers to better understand availability.

How do I place an order for the Windows 7 once I have made a qualifying purchase?

Exact implementation details may vary by PC manufacturer and retailer so please consult the offer materials that came with your purchase. Some contact information and program details are available from our Windows 7 Upgrade Option page.

What do I need to do to get my Windows 7?

For new PC purchases, look for a form in the packaging that came with your PC for redemption details. If you believe you purchased a qualifying PC, but can't find information on how to get the Windows 7 product, please contact the PC manufacturer. A good place to begin looking for PC manufacturer contact information is at our Windows 7 Upgrade Option page. If you purchased a retail packaged Windows Vista software product, visit the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Option page to see terms and conditions and to order your software.

When should I place my order?

You should find information about deadlines on a coupon or form included with your PC or software program or the original sales receipt. If you don’t find the coupon or order form, please contact the PC manufacturer if you purchased a qualifying PC or contact your retailer if you purchased retail packaged Windows Vista software. A good place to begin looking for contact information is at our Windows 7 Upgrade Option page. In many cases, you’ll be able to order Windows 7 right after you buy your PC or Windows Vista software, even if that’s before Windows 7 is available on October 22. 2009.

Will Windows 7 cost anything extra?

For new PC purchases, the offers will vary by PC manufacturer so please check with them for details. A good place to start looking for contact information is at our Windows 7 Upgrade Option page. For Windows Vista packaged software, you will be required to provide payment information to cover shipping and handling fees.

How long is the Windows 7 Upgrade Option available?

The program eligibility period runs from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. However for new PC purchases, your PC manufacturer may choose to offer a shorter program period within this date range. Check with your PC manufacturer for actual dates and offer redemption details.

When will I receive Windows 7 once I have placed my order?

Product shipment times will vary by offer and location, but the earliest you could expect to receive Windows 7 would be after October 22, when it becomes generally available.

I bought a qualifying Windows Vista Business-based PC but I used downgrade rights to install Windows XP Professional. Do I still qualify for the upgrade?

Yes, a system that was sold with a Windows Vista Business Certificate of Authenticity (COA) and has Windows XP Professional installed, and meets all other program offer requirements can be eligible for the Windows 7 Upgrade Option offer. For the best possible experience, we do not recommend running Windows 7 on a PC designed for Windows XP. Before installing Windows 7 on your PC, please review the system requirements. If you are installing Windows 7 on a PC currently running Windows XP or Windows Vista, you will need to back up your files, do a clean install of Windows 7, and then reinstall your applications and transfer your files.

Windows 7 software is only available on optical DVD. What do I do if I don't have a compatible DVD drive?

If you do not have a compatible DVD drive available, we suggest you rent, borrow, or buy one if you want to do the installation yourself. Alternatively, you can take your PC and DVD to a service provider that has a DVD drive available that can be used to do the upgrade. Applicable charges may apply

If I purchased a qualifying Windows Vista product in one language version, can I get a different language version for Windows 7? For example, if my PC came with a French version of Windows Vista Home Premium can I get Spanish Windows 7 Home Premium?

The Windows 7 Upgrade Option program does not allow for language switching. The language version of the Windows Vista product that you ordered will be the language version of the Windows 7 product you will receive.

I received my DVD and tried to install Windows 7 but can't perform the upgrade. Who should I contact for support?

If your Windows 7 Upgrade Option offer came with a Windows Vista-based PC, it is supported by your PC manufacturer so please contact that company for support. If you purchased a retail packaged software product (sold separately from a PC), then it is supported by Microsoft. See Microsoft Help and Support for more information on Microsoft support. Additionally, you may want to look for additional Upgrade Support information included with your Windows 7 DVD.

When will Windows 7 be available?

Windows becomes publicly available on October 22, 2009. Consumers in Europe will be able to buy the same version of Windows 7 as consumers will around the world. It will include Windows Internet Explorer 8 to help them get the most out of their PCs and the Internet.