Rain Makers

Microsoft opens up Registration for Windows 8 Upgrade

August 21, 2012 , 0 Frank Gurnee

With the Microsoft Windows 8 release drawing closer; officially set for an October 26^th release. Microsoft has opened up registration for the new OS upgrade program for users that purchased or will purchase a new Windows 7 machine between June 2^nd, 2012 and January 31, 2013 according to the Windows Upgrade Offer website.

The registration will provide users with a code and instructions for the download available on the release date. The upgrade offer also includes 90 days of technical support. I would expect this would be in hopes of assuring a smooth transition from windows 7 to the new operating system. Pricing for Windows 7 users that meet the purchase date requirements is $14.99.

According to the FAQ site the following versions of Windows 7 are eligible; Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate are all available for the Windows 8 PRO upgrade. The upgrade offer is not designed for businesses and has a maximum of 5 upgrades available per customer with qualifying purchases. Microsoft has pointed out that businesses requiring more than 5 upgrades will be required to go through volume licensing for additional upgrades, but pricing is not clear.

Other news sources are reporting that Windows 8 upgrade will also be available for users of Windows XP, Windows Vista, as well as Windows 7, which do not meet the purchase date requirements. Reported pricing for the Windows 8 PRO upgrade will be $39.99 and will also only be available until January 31, 2013.

Similar reports are being provided that Microsoft will run a promotion for full retail copies of Windows 8 PRO at launch for $69.99, with the price going up to $199.99 after the promotional period ending on January 31, 2013. Although the only official pricing I can find from Microsoft is in regards to the Windows upgrade offer at $14.99.

If the pricing is accurate it will be in the best interest of consumers to purchase the upgrade before the January 31^st end date, and MSP’s as well as IT solution providers will want to notify their customers of the impending dates.