Windows 10 Licensing

Windows 10 is the most secure Windows ever. Windows now includes a number of major security enhancements, including advanced biometrics*, advanced threat protection, malware protection, and trusted hardware. From devices to the cloud, Windows 10 helps to strengthen identity and protect data, with protocols and features designed to prevent malware from running on your device.

It’s familiar and easy to use. Windows 10 was built to bring the best of Windows 7 and 8.1 together in one natural user experience that dynamically adjusts to the way you work. With Tablet Mode, whether you’re working on a tablet, laptop, or 2-in-1 device, you’ll see how Windows 10 offers a touch-friendly, mobile, and desktop experience all in one operating system.

Upgrade with confidence. With strong app and device compatibility, you can now perform an in-place upgrade directly to Windows 10 with all your apps, settings, and devices. Purchasing new devices? You can quickly set up new devices out of the box with your corporate apps, data, and settings without having to create and manage images.

Simplify IT and save. Windows 10 is our last major Windows system release. With Windows as a service, we’re beginning the journey to simplify the delivery and management of Windows, while providing the most flexible management and deployment options today. With One Windows, we have one app platform, one security model, and one management approach that can reduce complexity and save costs.

Licensing Windows Software Assurance on a per-device basis

You can license Windows Software Assurance on a per-device basis in the following ways:

• When you purchase a Windows 10 Enterprise Upgrade license through Volume Licensing, you can also acquire Software Assurance for that license.
• For devices that do not qualify for Windows Software Assurance (such as thin clients), you can access Windows Software Assurance benefits by purchasing the Windows VDA subscription.
   

Licensing Windows Software Assurance on a per-user basis

You can license access to Windows Enterprise on a per-user basis through the Windows 10 Enterprise E3, Windows 10 Enterprise E5, and Windows VDA per User licensing options. These options put your users at the center of your Windows licensing solution, give you flexible options for how you deploy and access Windows across devices, and simplify Windows licensing and management. With per user licensing you can:

• Enable users to access Windows Enterprise across all of their devices.
• Deliver Windows Enterprise across devices through local install, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), or Windows To Go.
• Gain the simplicity of counting users instead of counting all of their various devices—enabling Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios eliminates the need to track every device and license.