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Microsoft Allows $39.99 Windows 8 Pro Upgrade From Release Preview
Microsoft has officially confirmed that it will allow the $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer to work from users running the Release Preview version, as previously explained in a Computerworld FAQ. So, does this mean that someone can simply run the free RP version and upgrade for a super-cheap price? Not quite, as it's "assumed" that the user had a previous retail Windows version installed on their PC before Release Preview. Here is the full Microsoft statement:
"Computerworld got it right. Assuming the customer had a previous version of Windows installed before Release Preview, they'll be able to upgrade from the Release Preview. They won't need to reinstall the previous version to do the upgrade; they can just upgrade on top of the Release Preview."
Also, this isn't strictly an upgrade, as it's more of a migration, since only personal files will be kept, not the user's applications or settings. Therefore, it's a full, clean install, with only the content of the personal files areas being moved over. This might seem inconvenient, but it's the best choice for a stable and smooth-running Windows installation. This behaviour will apply when upgrading from any retail Windows version. Microsoft officially confirmed this, too:
"(P)eople can move from the Windows 8 Release Preview to Windows 8 Pro using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant and will only have the options to migrate their personal files or keep nothing at all when upgrading. People moving from the Windows 8 Release Preview will need to make sure you have an underlying license for either Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7."
Microsoft officials still have not made public the price for new copies of Windows 8; this $40 is only pricing for the update version. Microsoft officials also have not stated exactly when Windows 8 will be declared as gold/RTM (something that could happen as soon as this month) or when Windows 8 will be generally available -- something rumored to be happening in October 2012.
One last thing to remember: This $40 upgrade price is currently positioned as a promotional price. The offer will be good from whenever Windows 8 is generally available until January 31, 2013. Microsoft may or may not extend the end date.
Posted by | Sat, Jul 07, 2012 - 06:43 AM
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