Windows 8 upgrades to cost just $15
As with previous releases it looks as Microsoft will once again be offering an upgrade offer for those purchasing a Windows 7 computer in the months leading up to the release of Windows 8. And the rumored cost for that upgrade is just $14.99.
According to CNET, Microsoft is to offer a Windows 8 upgrade promotion over the next few months. Anyone buying a machine running Windows 7 Home Basic or higher will be given a coupon allowing them to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro after it hits retail. The offer is expected to begin around the beginning of June and, according to a further report on Windows SuperSite, cost an extra $14.99. So not quite but almost free.
This date is expected to coincide with the unveiling of the Windows 8 Release Candidate. It also means Windows 8 remains on target to hit retail around October.
I actually have some experience of the pre-release Windows upgrade, having been part of the deal last time out. I purchased a laptop with Windows Vista installed on it a couple of months prior to the release of Windows 7, and then upgraded. I may do the same again this time. I’m in need of a new laptop as my current one is getting a little tired, and there are reasons to pull the trigger now rather than after Windows 8 is released.
The main reason is that no one quite knows how good Windows 8 is going to be on desktop computers. By buying a laptop now with Windows 7 installed on it, I then have the option of upgrading to Windows 8 if and when I want to. I can even try it out and, if I decide I don’t like it, then reinstall the system back to Windows 7. It also ups the chances of bagging a bargain, as retailers do tend to drop prices in order to shift stock before a new version hits stores.
May 16th, 2012
“So not quite but almost free.” What spin! These types of upgrades used to be free.
May 20th, 2012
When were they free exactly? As far as I’m aware Microsoft has always charged manufacturers a small fee, and it’s up to them whether they pass it on to customers. I took advantage of the Vista to Windows 7 upgrade scheme and it cost me around £30 ($50) with HP. So $15 for a potentially better version of Windows is a bargain.