Fulfillment | Microsoft Volume Licensing

Fulfillment information

Stay up-to-date about Microsoft Volume Licensing fulfillment processes.

Fulfillment news Upgrade installation services

Fulfillment news

Access to prior product versions - January 2022 update

Customers who have licensed software through a Microsoft Volume Licensing program are eligible to use prior versions of the software edition that they have licensed. This is known as a downgrade right. More information is provided in the Downgrade Rights Volume Licensing brief, as well as in the Product Terms.
If you have legally obtained physical media (CD/DVD) of older licensed Microsoft products that your organization is currently licensed to use through downgrade rights, you can use these prior software versions at your discretion.
Product lifecycle information is found at our Search Lifecycle Information page.
Your organization may install prior versions of products that are no longer available from the VLSC from any past shipments of physical Volume Licensing media (comprehensive or subscription kits) your organization may have received. Alternatively, your Microsoft Reseller may still have CD/DVD media inventory.

Product availability information

Microsoft releases new products and product updates for Volume Licensing customers each month. To find out what new products are available, read the following document:

Volume Licensing Subscription Updates Notice. Includes new products and product updates available this month to Select and Enterprise Agreement Volume Licensing customers.

For Volume Licensing customers, the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) is your key resource to manage your software licenses and access licensed software from Microsoft.

Product updates are available as downloads: To download products from the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) site, sign in to the VLSC, and then click Downloads.

Note: To access the VLSC, you must be a registered user on the site and have access to agreement data. If you need assistance accessing the site, visit the Support Center section to contact the Microsoft Support Center.

Upgrade installation services

Verifying your base license when ordering Windows Upgrade installation services

Which customers need to verify their licenses?

This information is for Microsoft Volume Licensing customers who order software upgrade installation services for computers, also known as “imaging.” These services involve the installation of a Volume Licensing Windows Upgrade operating system product by a PC manufacturer, known as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or Licensing Solution Provider (LSP).

When you order Volume Licensing Windows Upgrade operating system product installation services for computers from an OEM or LSP, you are required to certify that a qualifying Windows operating system base license has been purchased for these computers. OEMs and LSPs are required to directly collect this certification from their customers before they install images on the computers.

Volume Licensing software cannot be installed until the customer provides this verification in writing (see details below).

What is a “qualifying Windows operating system”?

Windows Upgrade operating system software licensed through Volume Licensing agreements can be placed only on computers that have an appropriate Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for a qualifying Windows base license. For example, in the case of a computer being imaged with Windows Enterprise under a Volume Licensing agreement, a COA for a qualifying base operating system, such as Windows Pro, must first be affixed to the computer, and the appropriate license must be purchased.

To reduce the potential for mis-licensing, before an image can be installed, you must complete the “Microsoft Customer License Verification for Upgrade Installation Services for Microsoft Windows Operating System Software by Third Parties” form and return it to the OEM or LSP that is performing Windows Upgrade operating system installation services.

OEMs and LSPs must verify with customers that each computer that is distributed with Windows Upgrade operating system software has a COA for the appropriate qualifying Windows license, and they must cooperate in investigations related to possible piracy or mis-licensing.

How do I complete the verification process?

Download and complete the Microsoft Customer License Verification for Upgrade Installation Services for Microsoft Windows Operating System Software by Third Parties form.
Sign, date, and send the completed form to your OEM or LSP.

Note: To return the form, follow the return instructions provided by your OEM or LSP. Do not send this form to Microsoft.

Who can answer my questions?

For questions about the verification process, contact your OEM or LSP.
For questions about your Volume Licensing agreement, contact your Microsoft Volume Licensing account manager.
For all other questions, contact Microsoft customer support.

Related resources

Product licensing search

Locate Volume Licensing product use rights, points by program, special notes, and supporting documents.

Product terms explained

Review this scenario-based guide to help you understand how Microsoft licensing models apply to common IT solutions.

Product activation and keys

Look up activation instructions including which products require a key.