Microsoft Announces Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $40

If you are using Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, you can upgrade to Windows 8 Professional for a low rate of $39.99.

Looks like Microsoft is following Apple’s path in the way they people can update their operating system. Like Apple’s updating scheme of costing less than $30 to upgrade to Lion, Microsoft announced, on their Windows Team Blog, that their upgrade to Windows 8 Pro will cost $39.99 for computers running the Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 operating system. Microsoft said that this upgrade will be available in 131 markets and will be available from the initial release of Windows 8 (which is expected for fall 2012) to January 31st, 2013.

Although the update will cost $39.99 for computers running the approved operating system; to get the deal, you need to use the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, a step by step instruction on how to make sure you machine is compatible for Windows 8, to be offered the deal to upgrade via downloading the operating system. The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will provide a detailed compatibility report and addresses the actions needed for an incompatible software or hardware device and ask whether if you want to keep from the current Windows installation. If you do not want to upgrade by downloading the operating system, Microsoft has said that users can also purchase a backup DVD for $15 plus shipping and handling or purchase a packaged Windows 8 Professional DVD for $69.99 (similar to Apple’s Mac OS X Lion on a flash drive). Microsoft has noted on their team blog that when you upgrade the Windows machine, you have the option to upgrade (“Install now”) or install later either from your desktop or by creating your own media by creating a bootable USB flash drive or an .iso file to burn onto a DVD.

Microsoft has also said that users who upgrade to Windows 8 Pro will be able to get the Windows Media Center option for free through the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro.