Requirements: Windows 64 bit

Arts Management support team does not assist with Operating system updates. Please refer to your IT support people if you need technical assistance. We have endeavoured to describe the pathway for free or inexpensive updates for your convenience.

We suggest: Windows 8.1 Pro, 10 Pro, 2012, or 2016 server with 64 bit OS installed. Windows 7 Pro or 8.0 64 bit and Server 2008R2 may work for the near term, but is end-of-life at Microsoft with only security patches being made available on a need basis. Note: Why only Win 7 Pro and Win 8 Pro (64 bit) for the near term? Newer Microsoft technologies on the horizon may require a future migration - so there is grace time (maybe mid 2020).

Workstations: Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro

For those who are not for profits, Techsoup has very inexpensive Windows 10 updates. Before buying, make sure that the product is windows 10 pro - licensing is not always clear on the Techsoup web site because Microsoft is not always clear.

• USA - Windows 10 for $16.00. Refer to https://www.techsoup.org/products/windows-operating-system-upgrade--LS-47919--
• Canada - Windows 10 is $22.00 per workstation. Refer to https://www.techsoupcanada.ca/en/directory/260

  For those who are a little more adventurous, Microsoft offered FREE Windows 10 updates (from Win 7 and Win 8.1) through to 2016. Apparently (with a little elbow grease) you can still get those updates for free and obtain valid licences. ZDNET details how this can be done with success reported as of October 29, 2018.

Workstations: Upgrading Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro

Microsoft has a support page on the steps to Change Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro if you wish. After reading the instructions, it is apparently only getting a new product key.

Servers: Upgrading to 2016

Here are the links to obtain the latest 2016 server from techsoup

• USA - windows 2016 server standard edition is $8.00. Refer to: https://www.techsoup.org/products/windows-server-standard--LVS-47862--
• Canada - windows server standard edition is $11.00. Refer to: https://www.techsoupcanada.ca/en/directory/266