Windows 8 Pro is the professional edition of the latest Microsoft operating system. Compared to previous versions of Windows, it features enhanced performance, a modern interface with advanced touch support, cloud integration, greater security, and improved power efficiency. This 32-bit version operates on a computer with a 32-bit processor and 32-bit drivers.

This donation provides one upgrade license. Request one license for this product for each computer on which you will install it. See a summary of Volume Licensing Service Center — Product Keys for specific licensing details.

Editions You Can Upgrade From

Only certain editions of the Windows operating system qualify for upgrades under TechSoup's Volume Licensing agreements with Microsoft. To install this operating system, you must have a licensed installation of one of the following operating systems on the device where you are installing the upgrade:

• Windows 7 Enterprise, Professional, or Ultimate
• Windows Vista Enterprise, Business, or Ultimate
• Windows XP Professional or Tablet PC
• Windows 2000 Professional
• Windows NT Workstation 4.0
• Windows 98 SE

You cannot upgrade from any Home edition of Windows. If your device doesn't meet the requirements for an upgrade product, you might be eligible for a full operating system license through Microsoft's Get Genuine Windows Agreement for Small and Medium Organizations program

Benefits for Organizations

You can use Windows 8 Pro to:

• Protect computers from viruses and other malware with Windows Defender
• Support a touch-screen interface when working with individuals who cannot use a traditional mouse and keyboard
• Restore malfunctioning computers to the base installation with Reset and Refresh functions
• More easily switch between and access additional display languages in a multilingual environment

Major Capabilities

• Modern interface: You can navigate the new tile-based interface with a touch-enabled computer or a traditional mouse-and-keyboard setup. You can also choose to view a traditional Windows desktop similar to those in previous versions of Windows.
• Apps: Apps give you quick access to applications like Mail, Calendar, SkyDrive, Photos, People, and services like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. When not in use, apps running in the background suspend automatically, so they don't consume system resources and power.
• Cloud integration: Your apps, settings, and files saved to the cloud-based Microsoft SkyDrive will automatically appear on any Windows 8 device after logging in with your Microsoft account.
• Enhanced security: Windows Defender in Windows 8 includes antivirus capabilities to protect computers from viruses, Trojan horses, rootkits, and other malware, in addition to spyware and adware. The software detects threats in real-time and automatically updates malware signatures.

Installing Windows 8

Unless you are upgrading from Windows 7, this installation requires a "clean install." This means that if the computer has an existing operating system, you must remove all operating system files and applications, install the system, and reinstall the applications. For complete information, see TechSoup's How to Upgrade to Windows 8.

Windows 8 Pro requires significant system resources, as detailed below. It is likely that PCs currently running an operating system older than Windows Vista might not be able to run Windows 8. For a good start on evaluating whether to upgrade, see TechSoup's Should You Upgrade to Windows 8? Questions to Consider.

Important Volume Licensing Information

With Windows 8, your organization can choose between two types of volume license keys for product activation: a Key Management Service (KMS) license key or a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). A Key Management Service (KMS) key for Windows 8 is available by default on the Microsoft Volume Licensing website; that is, this is the only type of key you will see unless you request a MAK.

A KMS key requires at least 25 computers on a network for activation. If your organization has fewer than 25 computers, you should request a MAK from the Volume Licensing website after receiving this product. For information about obtaining a MAK or deciding which type of key to use, see TechSoup's Volume Licensing Service Center — Product Keys page.

Obtaining This Product

Installing this product requires you to download the software from the Volume Licensing Service Center and enter a license key. You can download any available version or language for your product. After you download the software, learn how to install it or burn it to a disc for later use.

The license key allows you to install the product on as many computers as you have received licenses for. This quantity is specified in the first email you receive from TechSoup after requesting this product.

Expect three emails:

1. When your donation request has been approved, TechSoup will send a message to your organization email address confirming the number of licenses you have requested.
2. Microsoft will send an email welcoming your organization to the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
3. TechSoup will send an email with information about obtaining your license key and managing your donation at the VLSC. If you are new to the VLSC, you should wait for this email before you register there.

Software Assurance

Under the Software Assurance program, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.

• Hardware:
• 1-GHz (or higher) 32-bit (x86) processor
• 1 GB or more RAM
• 16 GB available hard-disk space
• DirectX 9 graphics device with Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 1.0 or later driver
• DVD drive
• Additional requirements to use certain features:
• For touch — touch screen
• For accessing the Windows Store and downloading and running apps — Internet connection, Microsoft account (formerly Live ID) and 1,024x768 (or greater) display
• For DVD playback  — DVD player software
• For sound — audio output
• Product functionality and appearance might vary with system configuration.

• This donation is available to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) designation and to public libraries. Public libraries must either have valid 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or be listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database.
• Organizations that are not eligible: Not all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible for participation in the Microsoft Donation Program. Those that are not eligible should visit Microsoft Volume Licensing for Industries for more information about charity licensing; they may still be eligible for discounted software from Microsoft. The following types of organizations are ineligible for Microsoft software donations:
• Governmental organizations or agencies.
• Educational institutions, including K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and trade schools.
• Healthcare organizations and networks, including hospitals, specialty networks, ambulatory healthcare services, home healthcare and assisted living healthcare organizations, research organizations, and laboratories. Exceptions: Community health clinics, medical research groups, behavioral healthcare nonprofits, women's health centers, and blood banks are eligible to request Microsoft software donations.
• Political, labor, and fraternal organizations; commerce and trade associations without charitable aims or activities; sponsorships of events, tables, exhibitions, or performances; fundraising events such as luncheons, dinners, walks, runs, or sports tournaments.
• Religious organizations not registered as a charity and without a secular community designation that is separate from the church or religious organization. A secular designation is defined as an organization that provides services to people regardless of their religious beliefs and does not propagate a belief in a specific faith. Example: A food bank with nonprofit or charity status that is run by a church but is a separate and unique organization that provides food and meals to anyone who qualifies for services, regardless of religious beliefs. Religious organizations without secular designations can visit Programs for Charitable Organizations for information regarding licensing options; they may be eligible to receive discounted Microsoft software through these programs.
• Refurbishers that will be installing the donated software on refurbished computers to be distributed or donated to nonprofits or schools. Please visit the Registered Refurbisher Program.
• Nonpublic libraries, including private libraries, school libraries, specialty libraries, armed forces libraries, and libraries in government agencies.
• Eligible organizations receive an allotment of Microsoft software donation requests that is reset every two years. An organization’s two-year cycle begins with its first donation request after July 27, 2011. After two years, a new cycle begins, and a new allotment becomes available. The organization does not need to request the full amount of its allotment. There is no limit to the number of separate requests the organization can make and no minimum quantity requirement.
• During its two-year cycle, an organization can request products from up to 10 title groups. For title groups that contain applications that run on an individual computer (like a desktop or laptop PC), there is a 50-license maximum. For title groups that contain client access licenses or other licenses that provide for connection to or management of a server, there is also a 50-license maximum. For server products, there is a five-product maximum, regardless of title group. For further details, see Quantity and Frequency of Microsoft Requests on the Microsoft Donation Program — Eligibility and Allotments page.
• Public libraries may request Microsoft software donations through this program only for use on public access computers or on computers used to directly manage either the public access computers or the library's public access program. Participating libraries must also make their collection and basic services available to the population of their legal service area without charges to individual users (excluding incidental fees such as printing charges). If they so choose, libraries may impose charges on users outside the legal service area and may provide products and services (beyond basic services) to the public at large, with or without individual charges.
• Organizations that engage in discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination, and/or retirement based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, union membership, or veteran status, other than as allowed by law, are not eligible to participate in this program. Organizations must be willing and able to attest that they do not discriminate on any of these grounds in order to receive donations.
• Microsoft products may not be transferred between separate legal entities or resold. Additionally, Microsoft products may not be installed on computers that will be given to or sold to other organizations or individuals, even as part of a charitable program.
• Donated product will be distributed under this program to qualifying organizations and libraries only, not to individuals.