Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pricing Scheme

Microsoft has just announced pricing details for Windows 8.1, the first Windows 8 major overhaul that's projected to be unveiled on October 18.

While Windows 8.1 will be offered as a free download to Windows 8 users, those who wish to buy the operating system separately can do so by paying for either a traditional packaged DVD product or a download from Microsoft's website. Either way, Windows 8.1 will be available for $119.99 (€90), while the Pro version will be sold for $199.99 (€150) in the United States. Pricing might vary by market, the company said. As you can see, pricing is very similar to the one of Windows 8, with the tech giant claiming that it wants to make the operating system available to as many people as possible. In addition, Microsoft revealed that Windows 7 users who'll want to make the move to Windows 8.1 will be able to do so by using the built-in upgrade option, which will bring along all their files, but they'll have to reinstall all desktop apps.

Windows XP and Vista users, on the other hand, will lose all their files, settings, and programs. “Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows XP or Windows Vista. Although not designed or recommended for devices running Windows XP or Windows Vista, consumers still wanting to upgrade from Windows XP or Windows Vista should buy the retail DVD instead of using the download and boot from the DVD to do a clean install of Windows 8.1,” Microsoft said. “Note: files, settings and programs will not transfer – Consumers will need to back up their files and settings, perform clean installation, and then reinstall their files, settings and programs.”

Last but not least, customers who purchase a device running Windows 8.1 will be allowed to migrate to the Pro version for only $99.99 (€75), while the Media Center upgrade will be available for only $9.99 (€7.5).

Windows 8.1 will be available as a traditional DVD package or as a download
Image credits to Microsoft

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