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24. May 2023

Update, Upgrade, Downgrade

IT renovation made easy!

When the plaster in your own home starts to crumble, you know it’s time to renovate! The right time for a software modernisation, on the other hand, is not always obvious for many companies. On this page we have compiled the most important information about updates, upgrades and downgrades for you.

Update or upgrade?

Update, upgrade – isn’t that the same thing? No. When it comes to software, no terms are more often confused with each other than these two. However, update and upgrade differ in much more than just the decimal places of the version number.

Differences at a glance

Regular updates: Maintaining software

Just like your own home, software also needs to be repaired and maintained from time to time. Updates close security gaps and fix bugs. They are usually provided by manufacturers such as Microsoft and should be installed regularly.

Patch Tuesday from Microsoft

On the second Tuesday of every month, Microsoft releases updates for its products such as the Windows operating system or Office to eliminate software bugs and potential security gaps. The manufacturer has been releasing these regular updates on a fixed date since the early 2000s. However, Microsoft also provides urgent and critical updates to protect users outside of Patch Tuesday.

Tip: Install updates promptly to protect your systems from potential threats. Use Patchday as a personal reminder: Is all your software up to date? It’s also worth scheduling fixed times for updates. Computers can be slower during updates. So lunchtime or after work are particularly suitable times for updating.

Upgrade: Time for modernisation?

Upgrades are similar to modernisation – like equipping your house with a new heating system. You benefit from more features and usually better performance. However, if the modern heater doesn’t fit in your basement, or the new software doesn’t fit your hardware, problems will arise. So an upgrade needs to be planned carefully.

Example: Upgrading a Windows Server

In this video, our colleague Julia explains what to consider when upgrading a Windows server.

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The topics at a glance:

  • Why plan the upgrade early?
  • Moving to the cloud?
  • Alternatives that allow companies to work locally
  • Does it have to be the latest version?
  • Difference between Windows Server 2019 and 2022
  • Observe proper licensing
  • Advantage of used licences

Planning an upgrade? The latest versions of our Office software

Verpackung von Microsoft Office LTSC 2021

Office 2021 LTSC
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Project 2021
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Visio 2021
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When do businesses need an upgrade licence for Windows 10?

An upgrade licence allows you to upgrade the licensed software that you are already using to the latest version. Microsoft offered a free upgrade a few years ago when it launched Windows 10: until July 29, 2016, it gave you the option to upgrade from the Windows 7 or 8 operating systems to Windows 10 for free. What few people know: After this deadline, Microsoft officially discontinued the free offer. Admittedly, the upgrade still works technically under some conditions. But legally, companies now need an upgrade licence.

Windows 10 Pro
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Downgrade: solution for a smooth transition

If you know that you want to use the latest version in the long term, but have not yet upgraded your “boiler room”, this is not a problem: you can buy the latest version and downgrade it to an older one first. This way, you don’t have to purchase an interim solution for the transition period. As soon as your IT has been adapted, you are already equipped with the latest version. Our example shows that this can be a far-sighted decision:

The initial situation at “Sample Incorporated”

“Sample Incorporated” needs to modernise its IT landscape. It is currently using a server solution for which support will soon expire. The IT administrator at “Sample Incorporated” wants to upgrade to the latest server software, Windows Server 2022. However, the outdated hardware is not suitable for this – he would have to upgrade it, too. In addition, a special accounting software is in use, which would also not be compatible with Windows Server 2022 – but is due to be replaced in the next few months.

The options

“Sample Incorporated” could initially migrate to a Windows Server 2016 that is compatible with the existing IT landscape. However, it’s not worth buying 2016 licences for the relatively short transition period. Instead, the smart IT administrator suggests immediately purchasing the long-term Windows Server 2022 licences he needs – which he first downgrades to the 2016 version until he has everything is technically ready for the upgrade.

By downgrading, companies gain more time and flexibility for a smooth transition. In addition, the investment for the new acquisition is spread over a longer lifecycle.

The latest versions of our server software

Verpackung von Microsoft Exchange Server 2019

Microsoft Exchange Server 2019
Learn more.

Microsoft Windows Server 2022
Learn more.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2022
Learn more.

Microsoft SQL Server 2022
Learn more.

Buy licences

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Sell licences

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Special offers

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