Upgrade to Windows 10/11 - Students

As an enrolled student, you are eligible for a FREE Windows 10 operating system download to upgrade your computer. This full license is yours to keep, even after you graduate.

Note that Macs must have virtualization software installed.

Step 1. Obtain the license key through Kivuto

• Go to ecu.onthehub.com or click the Student Login button from the Microsoft Windows OS for Students service.
• Sign in with your ECU credentials (PirateID and passphrase). The Kivuto website opens.
• Find Windows 10 in the list and click add to cart.
  
• Check out and accept the terms and conditions.
• Digitally sign with your initials and full name.
• You now have a license key to Windows 10 OS. Take a screen shot or photo of your license key.

IMPORTANT! You can only access your license key through Kivuto for 30 days. After 30 days, you will be charged a $14.95 retrieval fee. Take a screen shot or photo of your license key!

Step 2. Install Windows 10

We outline two methods to upgrade your computer to Windows 10. Before using either method, you may wish to:

• Create a backup of your computer files.
• Check the system requirements to ensure your computer can run Windows 10.
• Check the computer's architecture: 32-bit or 64-bit (most recent computers are 64-bit). This info is usually found in the Windows system settings or the Apple menu.
• Make sure you have your license key.

Method 1. Use this method if you are updating a PC running Windows 7 or 8.1.

• Close all open apps and programs on the computer.
• Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10.
  
• Click the Download tool now button.
• Select Run and agree to the license terms. The What do you want to do? page opens.
• Click the Upgrade this PC now option and click Next.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.
• DO NOT turn off the computer while Windows is installing.

Method 2. Use this method to create a bootable Windows installer USB drive for a Mac computer, a PC running Windows XP or older or to upgrade a PC other than the one you are using to download the tool.

Create the installer USB drive:

• Insert a blank 8GB (at least) USB flash drive.
• Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10.
  
• Click the Download tool now button.
• Select Run and agree to the license terms. The What do you want to do? page opens.
• Select Create installation media for another PC and click Next.
  
• Select language, Windows edition and architecture for the computer you are upgrading.
• Select the media you will use (USB flash drive).
• Select the correct USB drive and click Next.
• Windows 10 will download to the USB drive. Note: All current content on the USB will be deleted.
• The download will take some time. When you see Your USB flash drive is ready on the screen, click Finish.
• To verify the download, open Windows File Explorer and click the USB drive named, ESD-USB.

Install Windows using the USB drive:

• Close all open apps and programs on the computer.
• Insert the USB drive into the computer you are updating. 
• This process may take some time - DO NOT shut down your computer.
• Reboot (restart) the computer and follow the instructions specific to your situation:

  If you see the Install Windows screen... Select preferences like language and time, etc. Click Next. Select Install Windows and follow the instructions.

  If you DO NOT see the Install Windows screen... Expand the USB's content (File Explorer or Finder). Click the setup.exe file. Follow the instructions.

If you require assistance or have a question, call Pirate Techs at 252-328-9866 or visit the nearest Pirate Techs Technology Support Center.