Microsoft Confirms $15 Windows 8 Upgrade for New PCs

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Starting tomorrow, consumers can purchase a new Windows 7 desktop or laptop, and receive a $15 upgrade to Windows 8 Pro when it's released later this year.

Alongside the release of Windows 8 Release Preview, Microsoft confirmed that consumers will be able to upgrade to the new OS for a mere $14.99. News of the upgrade surfaced last month, reporting that the upgrade will apply to consumers who purchase a new Windows 7 desktop or laptop after a specific date. Even more, the upgrade will be for Windows 8 Pro, and not for the plain vanilla version.

"Beginning June 2, 2012, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Upgrade Offer in 131 markets, including the U.S. and Canada," the company stated on Thursday. "Consumers who buy eligible Windows 7-based PCs through Jan. 31, 2013, can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 (U.S.) during the time of the promotion."

Customers must purchase a PC with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate pre-installed -- and have a matching and valid OEM certificate of authenticity -- to be eligible for the $14.99 upgrade price.

"In addition to the Windows Upgrade Offer designed for consumers buying new Windows 7-based PCs, Microsoft will also announce other offers in the coming months that will help consumers with existing Windows 7-based PCs upgrade to Windows 8 when it is generally available," Microsoft added.

Additional details regarding the upgrade plan will be released later today, the company said.

Microsoft hinted in a blog on Thursday that Windows 8 may be released in October. The company said that if the feedback and telemetry on Windows 8 and Windows RT match expectations, then the Windows 8 team will will enter the final phases of the RTM 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," said Microsoft's Stephen Sinofsky.

UPDATE: Microsoft released additional information regarding the upgrade. "Beginning June 2, 2012, consumers who purchase up to five new Windows 7 PCs preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate will be eligible to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro upon general availability of Windows 8," the company said on Friday. "Qualifying purchases must be made before January 31, 2013, and offers must be redeemed by February 28, 2013."

"Unlike previous upgrade programs, Microsoft will manage the redemption process, including eligibility verification, payment, software delivery, and support," Microsoft added. "Delivery of Windows 8 Pro will occur via electronic software distribution."

Microsoft also outlines revenue recognition for the Windows Upgrade Offer, which can be read here.

Kevin Parrish
36 Comments Comment from the forums
  • thrasher32
    No thank you.
    Reply
  • g-thor
    I want that price to upgrade my Win7 Pro too! I don't wnat to have to buy a new computer - this one works beautifully.
    Reply
  • NightLight
    sweet!
    Reply
  • atmos929
    pay me $150 and I might consider it...
    Reply
  • gibs0
    Standard TH comments. Microsoft offers it as an optional service and people complain about it.

    Stay rational.
    Reply
  • teddymines
    If there ever was a time to say this, it is now: CAVEAT EMPTOR!
    Reply
  • Damn got my Win tablet in May....
    Reply
  • JohnUSA
    I would not touch the irritating, horrible and poorly designed Windows 8 for any price.
    It is NOT for desktop use, and Microsoft should have designed two completely separate versions, one for touch and the other for desktops.
    Windows 8 will be a huge failure, and stupid and stubborn Microsoft is going to lose a very large market share for their very big and costly mistake.
    Windows 8 is going to be Microsoft's Waterloo.
    Reply
  • jhansonxi
    Why pay for something that seems like a downgrade? If Windows 8 is so wonderful, how about a rebate instead?.
    Reply
  • cozalp
    gibs0Standard TH comments. Microsoft offers it as an optional service and people complain about it.Stay rational.
    Of course people have right to complain about the product they use daily. From what I have understand Windows 8 is more efficient with the resources and works slightly more optimized than the current version of Windows. However if you want to pay and upgrade to take advantage of this, you have to put up with the new gui style most of the people don't like even a bit. It's ok to introduce new ideas, but forcing it is simply stupid.
    Reply