Microsoft Windows: License Restrictions and General Information

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License Information

This software may be installed and used only by Duke faculty, staff, and students. The software versions are identical, but licensing terms differ by group.

Faculty & Staff

• Upgrade-only licenses: All new computer purchases must include an upgrade-eligible operating system. Microsoft Volume Licensing does not provide full Windows desktop licenses—only upgrade licenses. A qualified OS (e.g., Windows, Mac OS X) must already be licensed and installed.
• Installers can be used for clean installs or imaging as long as the device has an OEM Windows license.
• Unlimited installs on Duke-owned computers used on campus.
• May also be installed on Duke-owned or personally owned computers primarily used for Duke remote work, if installed by Duke IT staff or with departmental IT approval.
• No personal licenses are available from OIT—personal Windows licenses must be purchased through retail distributors.
• Software Assurance (Enterprise versions) provides additional rights:
  • Multiple copies of Windows may be installed on licensed devices.
  • VDA Licenses (Virtual Desktop Access) are included, allowing licensing of thin clients or secondary users who do not qualify for Software Assurance.

Students

• Licensed to install on personal computers designated for individual, dedicated student use.
• One lifetime download and installation per version of Windows.
• Upgrade-only licenses: Same requirements as faculty/staff. New devices must already include a qualifying OS. Windows cannot be legally installed on devices shipped with no OS or with non-Windows/Mac OS systems such as Linux.

Note: The Microsoft Campus Agreement (MCA) is jointly funded by OIT and DHTS. The software is distributed at no cost to the Duke community.

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Support Information

Duke does not have a direct support contract with Microsoft. Support resources include:

• Windows Activation FAQ (activation issues)
• OIT Service Desk offers limited support via phone, chat, and email
• support.microsoft.com and general online resources
• Patches, service packs, and updates delivered through Microsoft/Windows Update
• Official product site: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/home

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List of Licensed Versions

All currently supported, volume-licensed versions of Windows are available through OIT:

• Faculty/Staff: Enterprise editions available immediately; other versions (e.g., LTSC) available by request
• Students: Versions available depend on Microsoft’s current retail offerings