Windows Vista

Express Upgrade to Windows Vista



Windows Vista Express Upgrade eligibility

To be eligible for the Express Upgrade program, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • System must be purchased between October 26, 2006 through March 15, 2007
  • Customers must have a valid proof of purchase 
  • A valid Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity for Windows® XP must be affixed to the system 
  • The Vista Capable logo must be affixed to the system


Getting your Windows Vista upgrade


Users with qualifying systems can order their Express Upgrade by visiting the Express Upgrade Web site. The Web site will provide clear directions for obtaining your Express Upgrade.


Getting ready for Windows Vista


Not all Windows Vista features will be available for use on all Windows Vista Capable PCs. All Windows Vista Capable PCs upgraded to Windows Vista will be able to run the core experiences of Windows Vista, such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. But some features of premium editions of Windows Vista — like the new Windows Aero™ user interface — require advanced or additional hardware.

To help ensure the optimal transition to Windows Vista, look for systems that are "Windows Vista Premium Ready" which can deliver the enhanced Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user interface.

Windows Vista Capable systems


Windows Vista Capable-designated PCs will run the core Windows Vista experiences at a minimum. And even systems without the Vista Capable logo sticker may still be able to support Windows Vista if they meet the following basic requirements: 

  • 800MHz x86 or x64 central processor 
  • 512MB of system memory 
  • DirectX 9-Capable graphics processor with 32MB of video RAM

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs


For an even better Windows Vista experience including the Windows Aero user interface, look for PCs that are designated as Premium Ready, or choose a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements: 

  • 1 GHz x86 or x64 processor 
  • 1 GB system memory 
  • A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero1 
  • A 40 GB hard drive with 15 GB of free space 
  • A DVD-ROM drive 
  • Audio output capability 
  • Internet access capability