Installing Microsoft Windows Vista (Photo credit: cocoate.com)
Microsoft has announced that users will be able to upgrade existing Windows PC to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99.
The announcement was made by Brandon LeBlanc over on the Windows Team Blog. According to LeBlanc, users currently running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 will be eligible for the $39.99 upgrade, which will be available in a 131 markets once the operating system hits general availability -- a fancy name given to the public launch of the operating system.
However, there is a catch -- the $39.99 upgrade will only be available as a download via the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. Users also have the option of purchasing a backup DVD for $15 plus shipping and handling or to buy a packaged DVD version of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro will be available for $69.99.
The Upgrade Assistant will walk you through the upgrade process step-by-step, from purchase to download and then to installation of the operating system.
The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will also check your PC to make sure it is ready for Windows 8. It will provide a detailed compatibility report that lets you know of anything you may have to address before or after the upgrade, and outlines any actions that you might need to take. It will also tell you of any application or device compatibility issues that you might experience, as well as asking you what you want to keep from your current Windows installation.
This upgrade promotion for Windows 8 Pro both online and at retail outlets runs through January 31st, 2013.
The Windows Media Center option can be added to Windows 8 Pro after upgrade for free.
