Vortez - Computer Hardware News & Reviews » News » July 2012 » Windows 8 Pro Upgrade will cost just $40

Microsoft spills the beans on its affordable Windows 8 upgrade program and the ways you can get on board.

Microsoft has announced on the WindowsTeamBlog that it plans to offer an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro edition, for just $40 (£25). That's not just Windows 7 users either, but anyone running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or the aforementioned odd numbered version. Windows Media Center is free if you want it as well.

Those wondering if your PC can handle it, Microsoft plans to provide a compatibility tool as part of the upgrade procedure. Known as the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, it'll talk you through anything that could do with an upgrade hardware wise before updating. Device or compatibility problems will also be highlighted, though considering the trend of Microsoft operating systems to support more and more devices, unless you're using some antiquated peripheral you should be alright.



Once you've downloaded the new OS, the "upgrade" can be completed automatically, or you can save it for later. Alternatively, it can be mounted to a DVD or bootable USB drive and installed in a more traditional manner - that involves a format if you desire it.

For comparison's sake, Microsoft says that the retail DVD box copy of the company's next operating system will cost $69.99 (£45)Don't be surprised if there's a small jump in price by the time those DVD's reach the UK however.

Not sold on it yet? Never mind, you have until 31st January 2013 to take the software giant up on the offer.

Source: Windows Team Blog
Tagged as: Windows 8, Operating System, Microsoft

17.04.2012 17:46:08: Microsoft Slims Down Windows Range For 8th Edition by Tim Harmer
29.02.2012 20:08:48: Microsoft Announces Availability of Windows 8 Consumer Preview by Tony Le Bourne
12.01.2012 17:30:50: Microsoft Push Bulldozer Patch For Windows 7 by Tim Harmer
16.12.2011 03:01:30: Microsoft Update Windows 7 for AMD Bulldozer by Tony Le Bourne
13.12.2011 19:02:27: Futuremark Releases Powermark Battery Life Test For Windows 7 by Tony Le Bourne

BurningFeetMan Posts: 104 Joined: 2012-01-06

#25869 Posted on: 04.07.2012 11:08:50 If Microsoft realised that this type of pricing creates less piracy they could make even more money. At this price for the operating system I'm happy to pay but it needs to be the full version also, i hate having a limited operating system even if I'm unlikely to use the features lol

Mishima Administrator Posts: 4321 Joined: 2009-07-28

#25870 Posted on: 04.07.2012 11:28:24 Yeah I think if they push for this kind of thing it will inevitably cause the percentage of piracy to drop as most will be doing it because of the astronomical cost of Msoft products!

kreegor Administrator Posts: 391 Joined: 2011-01-21

#25871 Posted on: 04.07.2012 11:45:03 This is how Apple does it and they have essentially been selling add on's for OSX disguised as new operating systems. Good on Microsoft for doing this too.

BurningFeetMan Administrator Posts: 104 Joined: 2012-01-06

#25895 Posted on: 07.07.2012 13:21:21 I only used a very early beta for approx an hour, have any of you tried it a little more extensively and what are your thoughts?

Click here to post a comment for this news story on the message forum

Vortez - Computer Hardware News & Reviews » News » July 2012 » Windows 8 Pro Upgrade will cost just $40