Windows 8 is expected to be released sometime this fall. The packaged DVD version of Windows 8 will cost consumers $69.99; however, previous Windows users will be able to purchase their upgrade package for the special price of $39.99 at windows.com until January 31, 2013.
There is an even better deal available for users who bought their Windows 7 PC before June 2, 2012. If a consumer’s PC falls into this category, they will be able upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99, but only until January 31.
Microsoft spokesman Brandon LeBlanc wrote in a Windows blog post, “We set out to make it as easy as possible for everyone to upgrade to Windows 8.”
If you choose to upgrade to Windows 8, Microsoft claims that it should be a pretty simple process. LeBlanc wrote, “The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant makes upgrading simple by walking you through the upgrade process step-by-step from purchase to download and then of course installation.”
He went on to say that the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will make sure that the user’s PC is ready for the upgrade and will inform them if there are any programs or applications that would interfere with the upgrade process.
The blog post went on to say that which version of Windows consumer’s PCs have on them will determine what they are allowed to bring along with the upgrade. With Windows 7 users will be able to bring along everything they have including Windows settings, personal files and apps. Windows Vista users will be able to bring along their Windows setting and personal files. Windows XP users, however, will only be able to bring along their personal files.
LeBlanc goes on to mention, “Of course, if you want to start fresh, you can choose to bring nothing along. Or if you prefer to format your hard drive as part of your upgrade experience, you can do so as long as you boot from media and then format your hard drive from within the setup experience for installing Windows 8, not prior to it.”
Windows says that users will have the ability to pause the upgrade, if necessary, and will be able to choose when they wish to install it.
Sources: : PCMag – Microsoft Offering $39.99 Windows 8 Pro Upgrades and The Windows Blog – Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99