Windows 8 Enterprise is the enterprise-level version of the latest Microsoft operating system. It works best when used in an enterprise environment along with Windows Server 2012. Its enterprise-specific enhancements include simplified remote network access and management, enhanced virtualization, mobile productivity capabilities, and improved security. This 64-bit version operates on a computer with a 64-bit processor and 64-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 the Product Use Rights section of Differences from Retail Products 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

If you have system administration experience, you can use Windows 8 Enterprise with Windows Server 2012 to:

• Provide mobile workers with access to your organizational network without the need for VPN
• Allow employees to securely take a bootable version of their Windows 8 Enterprise desktop on a USB drive to other computers
• Enhance network performance and minimize bandwidth usage

Major Capabilities

• All Windows 8 Pro capabilities: Windows 8 Enterprise provides all the capabilities of Windows 8 Pro, including a modern interface, apps, cloud integration, enhanced security, and built-in virtualization.
• DirectAccess: Mobile workers can connect securely to your organizational network anytime they have Internet access — without the need for VPN. IT administrators using Windows Server can manage mobile computers by updating Group Policy settings and distributing software updates anytime the mobile computer has Internet connectivity.
• Windows To Go: You can create a copy of an employee's Windows 8 workspace on a USB drive. This allows employees to access a secure, bootable version of their Windows 8 Enterprise desktop on another PC regardless of that PC's operating system. The device must meet Windows 7 or Windows 8 hardware certification requirements.
• BranchCache: Your organization's PCs can cache files, websites, and other content from central servers running Windows Server 2012 so that content is not repeatedly downloaded across your network. This can minimize network traffic between branch offices and the main office.
• BitLocker drive encryption: BitLocker encrypts hard drives more quickly to protect sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized users who come into possession of any of your organization's computers.

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 Enterprise 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 to your organization 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) 64-bit (x64) processor
• 2 GB or more RAM
• 20 GB available hard-disk space
• 1,366x768 (or higher) resolution display
• 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 and Microsoft account (formerly Live ID)
• For DVD playback  — DVD player software
• For sound — audio output
• For Windows To Go — a USB flash drive certified for Windows To Go
• For DirectAccess and BranchCache — Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2012
• For BitLocker data protection — Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or 2.0
• For BitLocker To Go data protection — USB flash drive
• 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.