Starting at general availability, if your PC is running
Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 you will qualify to
download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 in 131
markets.
In addition, users will be able to add Windows Media Center
for free through the "add features" option within Windows 8
Pro after your upgrade, Microsoft announced.
For all those that wil choose Windows.com to purchase an
upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, Microsoft is providing a Windows
8 Upgrade Assistant, which makes upgrading simple by
walking users through the upgrade process step-by-step from
purchase to download and then installation.
The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will check to make sure a
PC is ready for Windows 8 and also provide a detailed
compatibility report.
Users will be able to upgrade from any consumer edition of
Windows 7 to Windows 8 Pro and bring everything along which
includes Windows settings, personal files, and apps. Those
upgrading from Windows Vista will be able to bring along
their Windows settings and personal files, and if they are
upgrading from Windows XP will only be able to bring along
their personal files.
Users who will choose to shop at a local store, a packaged
DVD version of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro will be
available for $69.99 during this promotion.
This upgrade promotion for Windows 8 Pro both online and at
retail runs through January 31st, 2013, Microsoft
confirmed.
Last but not least,users who are not upgrading from a prior
version of Windows and are building their own PC or
installing Windows 8 in a virtual machine or a separate
partition, will be able to purchase and install the Windows
8 and Windows 8 Pro System Builder product.