Microsoft has a free upgrade for your $8,999 Surface
You can now upgrade Surface Hub 2S to the new Teams Rooms experience.
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What you need to know
Microsoft Surface Hub 2S devices can now upgrade to the new Teams Rooms experience that shipped withSurface Hub 3. Teams Rooms on Windows focuses on collaboration and has controls that make it easier to manage a device. While it’s generally considered to be an upgrade over the operating system that shipped on Surface Hub 2S, Microsoft notes that there are companies who will opt to stick with the original OS.
Upgrading Surface Hub 2S from the legacy Windows 10 Team edition OS to the new Teams Rooms experience is free. Migrating requires you to install theMigration Launcher app, which can be installed manually through the Microsoft Store or remotely deployed through Microsoft Intune. The exact method of upgrading depends on how large a business is and how the organization manages its devices. But Microsoft emphasized the ease of migration in itsannouncement post about the update.
Some organizations may wait to upgrade for a bit, according to Microsoft. Windows Autopilot and Auto-login of Teams Rooms is still in Private Preview, so companies may elect to upgrade only after those features are generally available.
Surface Hub 2S vs Surface Hub 3
With the cost of a Surface Hub, enterprise customers may not upgrade with each generation when it comes to hardware. Microsoft has a few options when it comes to using a Surface Hub in 2024. Those with a Surface Hub 2S can leave the device as it is if it meets their needs. Alternatively, owners can upgrade the software of a Surface Hub 2S to the new Teams Rooms experience, but there are some limitations in that case. Lastly, it’s possible to purchase aSurface Hub 3 Packto upgrade the hardware of the Surface Hub 2S.
If you opt to only update the software, some features will be unavailable. Microsoft outlined the following features that are exclusive to Surface Hub 3 hardware:
Microsoft emphasized in its Tech Community post about Surface Hub that migrating to the new experience is not better in all situations:
“Software-migrating a Surface Hub 2S versus hardware-upgrading it with a Surface Hub 3 Pack isn’t a binary choice (yes or no)—customers tell us it’s about using migration as part of the right transition approach to meet the organization’s needs. And that’s great! Some may use migration to pilot the Teams Rooms experience before making a new Surface Hub 3 bulk purchase. Others may migrate their Surface Hub 2S fleet in the nearer term while waiting on budget (perhaps phased over the medium-term) for Surface Hub 3 Pack upgrades. And those are just a couple examples. We can’t wait to learn how different customers tailor migration to their organization’s Surface Hub strategy.”
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The Surface Hub 2S started at $8,499.99 at launch. The Surface Hub 3 starts at ahigher price of $9499.99, but it’s cheaper to get a Surface Hub 3 than to buy a Surface Hub 2S and upgrade its hardware, assuming you’re paying full price for the device.
If you’re an organization looking to invest in Surface Hub hardware, Surface Hub 3 is the better option. But those who already have a Surface Hub 2S may not feel the need to purchase new hardware at this time.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
