Since Team Foundation Server 2015 RTM was released last week, we’ve already seen a lot of people upgrade and start taking advantage of the new capabilities. We have also received several questions about where to find a product key. The answer depends on the channel you are acquiring the software from.
- MSDN Subscribers should download and install the TFS 2015 RTM bits from MSDN Subscriber Downloads. These bits are pre-keyed, meaning that the product key is automatically populated during setup and the user will not be prompted for a key.
- For customers who have installed TFS 2015 trial (which is the SKU you get if you download from VisualStudio.com) you will need a product key when you are ready to convert it to a full installation. For now you can either get this on the physical TFS retail media, or via MSDN Subscriber Downloads (see screenshot below).
- Volume License Subscribers should expect to see the bits on VLSC starting August 18. These bits are also pre-keyed, meaning that if you download and install from VLSC you shouldn’t be prompted for a key. If you are a VL subscriber upgrading from trial and you don’t have an MSDN Subscription, starting August 18 you will also find a product key listed as part of the download description (see the second screenshot below).
MSDN:
VLSC:
(screenshot reflects TFS 2013, but starting August 18 you will be able to discover TFS 2015 – note that the key is on the “Download” tab, not on the “Key” tab like you would expect)
As a final note, if you are find yourself with an expired TFS Trial while you are in the process of purchasing the product you can temporarily extend your trial period by following this guidance.