Windows 8 is now completed, the official release day is on Friday, October 26th, and here is what you should know about the prices to upgrade to the final version.
First to test the final version you don’t have to wait until the launch day, Microsoft is now offering the RTM (Release To Manufacture) 90-day trial version of the operating system that you can install and use with all the major features including Windows To Go. However the only catch is that you cannot upgrade this trial version, you’ll need to start from scratch if you go this path.
The software giant is making it really cheap this time around to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro or Windows 8 (core), but it will all depend if you buy a new Windows PC now, if you act right away after the official launch and you purchase the upgrade online or in the store, or if you just let the offers expire, in which case you will pay the full price.
Prices to upgrade
This is how the upgrade prices work: The Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $14.99 offer is for people who buy a new Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013. And Microsoft has already open the registrations for this offer (https://windowsupgradeoffer.com/). The last day to register and order your Windows 8 upgrade is February 28, 2013 — For more details check out this Microsoft link.
Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $39.99, this is a download only version and is for current Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP users with a valid license key and they wish to upgrade to the latest OS. The price is available exclusively on the web. If you want to walk in to your favorite tech store, to buy the retail box with the DVD installation media, then Win 8 Pro will cost you $69.99.
If you wait and let these offers expire, then later on Microsoft is planning to charge $199 for Windows 8 Pro upgrade after January 31st, 2013.
Finally, if you are a Windows Media Center user and you upgrade to the Pro version, you can add Media Center pack for an additional $12.79, which also enables the capability to play DVDs but only from MC not from the Windows Media Player.
Both the Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Pro copies will be made available from retailers on October 26th.
Image credit The Verge
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].