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Microsoft Windows 8 upgrades for all! Starting at $39.99

by Alistair Lowe on 3 July 2012, 09:37

Tags: Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

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We already knew that Microsoft was running a $14.99 Windows 8 upgrade promotion for those who purchase a new system between now and January 31st but, how about for those of us that have long been running Windows XP, Vista or 7?

Well it appears as though the firm is looking to break away from its existing trend of high upgrade prices and, for those willing to purchase their package online, an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro can be had for $39.99, whether you're an XP, Vista or 7 user, regardless of what package you're currently on.

Ah, and before there's a huge uproar, owners of Windows 7 Ultimate will have the opportunity to upgrade to the equivalent Windows 8 package, however Microsoft is yet to release exact details of the cost. As with the $14.99 deal, this promotion will last until January 31st and will be available in 131 markets.

For those who wish to buy their upgrade in-store, the price will instead be $69.99. For those who purchase the online upgrade, a backup disk can also be obtained for $15, though, with any luck, what's important will be the licence key and those technically minded will be able to retrieve and burn their own isos, one way or another.

When upgrading, users of Windows XP will have options available to keep files, Vista users will also be able to bring over settings and Windows 7 users, in addition, will be able to carry over any apps.

So what do our readers think, does Microsoft's latest offering appeal to you?



HEXUS Forums :: 40 Comments

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When upgrading, users of Windows XP will have options available to keep files, Vista users will also be able to bring over settings and Windows 7 users, in addition, will be able to carry over any apps.
So have I got this right - I should be able to buy a Windows8 upgrade license for Ā£25-30; download (from somewhere) and burn an ISO; then snapshot my files AND all apps (including the ones that stuff loads of crap in the registry); install a clean install of Win8 and then recover that snapshot - leaving me with my system now running ‘8 instead of ’7?

If so, then I'm going to say that this looks like a pretty sweet deal for anyone wanting to move to ‘8. And I can think of at least one person in this house (not me) that’d jump at the chance. That's one of the things that puts me off about new OS releases - the need to reinstall apps, and invariably a couple of months worth of app updates, if I want a fresh OS copy. Although - thankfully - Windows7 doesn't seem to suffer from “OS rot” like XP was wont to do. :)
As a Windows 7 owner (and user) exactly what do I get in Windows 8 that I can't have on '7?
I have Vista (ultimate) on my old machine and am currently trialling Win8 preview on a new build. Overall, I don't mind it half as much as people say (though it does help I only use a single monitor). All I need is to set it to boot to desktop and then for some bright spark to make a desktop gadget shaped small circle with a windows logo that opens up to a list of programs when clicked and it'd be perfect.
:-p
Djini
As a Windows 7 owner (and user) exactly what do I get in Windows 8 that I can't have on '7?

I would make the argument that Windows 8 runs a little faster and uses less memory but beyond that I got nothing - well, somewhat improved power options and multi-screen, but the start bar… gutted.