How much will Windows 7 cost you?
Microsoft has released details of Windows 7 pricing, including a special offer allowing Vista users to pay for an upgrade in advance for as little as $49. This article aims to answer your questions about how much Windows 7 will cost in your circumstances.
The company today released the full details of pricing for the main editions of Windows 7, which will be used by consumers and small businesses. In most cases, the prices are lower than the Vista equivalents. Here’s how the pricing works:
I want to buy Windows 7 and don’t currently have Windows on my machine:
The price for a standalone copy of Windows 7 will be $199.99 for Home Premium, $299.99 for Professional and $319.99 for Ultimate.
I have Vista on my machine and want to buy an upgrade to Windows 7 when it comes out:
An upgrade from Vista to the equivalent edition of Windows 7 will be $119.99 for Home Premium, $199.99 for Professional and $219.99 for Ultimate.
I have Vista on my machine and am prepared to pay for an upgrade now:
There will be a “pre-order upgrade offer” through participating retailers. Existing Vista buyers will be able to reserve and pay now for their copy of Windows 7 at a reduced rate, getting the upgrade once it comes out in October.
The offer is limited to six countries. In the U.S., the scheme runs until 11 July and costs $49.99 for Home Premium and $99.99 for Professional; it doesn’t cover Ultimate. The scheme also runs in Canada, Japan, the U.K., France and Germany, though the pricing and deadlines vary. The latest details will be available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/pre-order.aspx.
It’s worth noting Microsoft says the deal will only run “while supplies last”. This is clearly an artificial restriction, but the firm hasn’t released details of how many customers will be allowed to take advantage.
I want a new computer now but would like Windows 7 when it comes out:
Microsoft is allowing firms to sell machines with Vista between now and the release of Windows 7 and then give customers an upgrade to the new system. The pricing and arrangements will vary as firms pay Microsoft a small fee for this scheme; it’s then up to the firm whether they pass any or all of this cost on to customers, or charge a higher fee (which is still cheaper than buying an upgrade separately).
I want to buy a new machine with Windows 7 once it comes out:
The price of Windows 7 will be built in to the cost of the computer.
I want a different edition of Windows 7:
The Starter edition (aimed at netbooks) and Home Basic edition (aimed at lower-spec machines in developing markets) will both only be available pre-installed on machines, so the price will be built-in to the computer cost. The Enterprise edition is only available to businesses through volume licensing so pricing will vary.
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June 26th, 2009
Windows 7 ain’t gonna “cost” me anything. I have Windows 7 Beta until it expires next year. Then I have XP (if I need Windows). Otherwise Linux seems to be be a good replacement for most of my needs.
June 26th, 2009
Who pays list for Windows?
June 28th, 2009
The generals of Redmond are busy fighting the last war, so the more pertinent question is “how much will Windows 7 cost Microsoft?”
July 3rd, 2009
lol