Windows Anytime Upgrade is a default feature of some of the Windows Vista editions. Because the latest Windows client ships in a variety of editions, with no less than four focused on the general consumers, Microsoft worked to streamline the process permitting users to upgrade from a lower-cost, less feature-rich versions to a higher-end version. The move is facilitated via the presence of Windows Anytime Upgrades. But as of February 20, the Redmond company is introducing some changes into the process.

So far, end users wanting to upgrade from one edition of Vista to another, just to get a little more kick, could have easily ordered a digital product key for the higher-end edition of the operating system and use the Windows Anytime Upgrade capabilities of the Vista DVD, if the media indeed featured them. Alternatively, they had the opportunity to order a Windows Vista Anytime upgrade media with the operating system version they wanted and also receive the product key. Starting with February 20, Microsoft will disallow digital product keys for Windows Anytime Upgrade, and users will have to obtain an Upgrade kit.

"In an effort to streamline the Windows Anytime Upgrade experience for our customers and open the program to additional markets worldwide, Microsoft and its partners have decided to end digital product key distribution on February 20, 2008. We will continue to make full Windows Anytime Upgrade kits-which include a DVD and license that allows customers to upgrade their existing edition of Windows Vista to a premium edition-available directly from Microsoft (except in Japan) as well as local retailers throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. All digital keys purchased through February 20, 2008 will remain valid for upgrade," Microsoft stated.