A Communications Manager at Microsoft, Brandon LeBlanc, has posted some information about the upcoming changes for the cost of Windows 8…
Per “Blogging Windows“:
>If you bought an eligible Windows 7 PC between June 2nd and January 31st, 2013 – be sure to register for the Windows Upgrade Offer and upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99…
{The last day to register for the Windows Upgrade Offer is February 28th, 2013.}
>…If you upgrade to the Windows 8 edition or buy a PC with the Windows 8 edition pre-installed and want to move to the Windows 8 Pro edition– you can purchase the Windows 8 Pro Pack (previously known as Windows Anytime Upgrade) directly within Windows 8 by going to the Start screen and typing “Add Features to Windows 8” and at participating retailers for $69.99 MSRP (U.S.) until January 31st. If are running Windows 8 Pro and want Windows Media Center and DVD playback, you can add the Windows 8 Media Center Pack for free until January 31st.
Check for the upgrade offer at http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/
Upgrade path information (from Windows XP, Vista, and 7) to Windows 8 is available at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj203353.aspx
Before purchasing, and attempting to install Windows 8, run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. It will scan hardware and applications to try to determine if they are compatible.
Until January 31 (2013), using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, a promotional offer to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro via Windows.com for $39.99 is available. Also (until January 31) DVDs at retailers will cost $69.99. DVDs can be purchased from http://windows.com/buy
Beginning in February, the prices for Windows 8 upgrade editions will be:
Windows 8 upgrade edition (available online and at retail locations) for $119.99
Windows 8 Pro upgrade edition (available online and at retail locations) for $199.99
Windows 8 Pro Pack will cost $99.99
and Windows 8 Media Center Pack will cost $9.99