Microsoft has announced its Windows Upgrade Offer allowing consumers to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.
Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview
The new of the bargain upgrade price comes hand-in-hand with the launch of the Windows 8 Release Preview. The Windows Upgrade Offer will start tomorrow, 2 June, in 131 markets including the US and Canada. See also: Install Windows 8 Release Preview.
Microsoft said: "Are you really excited about all the new PCs available today but thinking about waiting for Windows 8? Well you don’t have to."
The move brings Microsoft more in-line with how rival Apple handles upgrades with its Mac OS X operating system. For example Mac OS X Lion is available for $29. See also: Windows 8: the complete guide.
Consumers who buy a PC with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate pre-installed and have a matching and valid OEM certificate of authenticity will be eligible for the $14.99 upgrade price.
This will take users up to Windows 8 Pro, the more advanced OS of the two desktop OS versions and includes 90 days of support from Microsoft. The Windows Upgrade Offer will end on 31 January 2013.
The upgrade will be fulfilled when Windows 8 is fully launched. Although there is no set date for this, the firm said that Windows 8 will enter the final phases of the RTM (release to manufacturing) process in about 2 months.
"If we are successful in that, then we are tracking to our shared goal of having PCs with Windows 8 and Windows RT available for the holidays." it said.
