Upgrading from Previous Versions of Windows

Updated: June 19, 2006

Use the chart below to find out if your current version of Windows can be upgraded in-place (keeping your existing settings, programs, and data) using the retail upgrade package of Windows XP Professional. Be sure to check our system requirements page to make sure your system is ready to run Windows XP. If you're not sure which edition of Windows XP you need, see Which Edition Is Right for You?

Please note that the volume licensing upgrade eligibility criteria are different than the retail criteria reflected in the chart below. For volume licensing upgrade information, see our volume licensing page.

Eligibility for In-Place Upgrade

Previous Version	Windows XP Home Edition	Windows XP Professional
Windows 3.1	NO	NO
Any Evaluation Version	NO	NO
Any Server Version*	NO	NO
Windows 95	NO	NO
Windows 98/Windows 98 SE	YES	YES
Windows Me	YES	YES
Windows NT® Workstation 3.51	NO	NO
Windows NT Workstation 4.0	NO	YES
Windows 2000 Professional	NO	YES
Windows XP Home Edition		YES
Windows XP Media Center Edition	NO	NO
Windows XP Professional	NO

*If you have a version of the Windows server operating system, check out the Windows Server 2003 site's upgrading area. The server operating systems are not eligible for upgrade to Windows XP.

Top of page

If Your Version Does Not Qualify for an Upgrade

If your operating system is not eligible for the upgrade package, there are other options:

•	Get Windows XP Professional on a New Desktop PC
•	Get Windows XP Professional on a New Notebook PC
•	Order the Full Version of Windows XP Professional from Your Favorite Online Retailer
•	Order the Full Version of Windows XP Professional from Microsoft

Top of page