Microsoft reveals retail packaging and pricing for Windows 8.1

Didn't you lot hear? Windows 8.ane is coming to consumers on October 18th, which is about i month away. Of course if you're a programmer with MSDN or TechNet subscription you lot're probably already on information technology. It'due south a pretty big deal, Windows 8.1 improves on the foundation laid by Windows 8 terminal year. Improvements are both technical and functional for stop users.

It will be a costless download for anyone on Windows 8. Only some consumers will be picking upward their installs via discs and then Microsoft has just released the packaging and pricing. Let'southward cheque it out.

Outset impression of the packaging? Dull compared to last years for Windows 8. Today we get a expect at three dissimilar boxes from Microsoft that correspond to specific versions of Windows. There'due south your basic and pro version boxes, likewise as a box for upgrading from basic to pro. You can check those out above.

Side by side upward is pricing. Again, Windows 8.1 will exist a free upgrade for anyone currently running Windows viii. But what about folks on something like Windows seven? Hither's how pricing breaks downwards this round:

Windows 8.1 - $119.99
Windows 8.1 Pro - $199.99
Windows 8.1 Pro Pack - $99.99 (this one allows you to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows viii.ane Pro)

You tin grab the in a higher place as a download from Microsoft or every bit a retail packaged DVD product, which you saw above. And so how will upgrading work this time effectually for people on Windows 7 and below?

Windows 7 users will be able to keep files, merely volition need to reinstall desktop applications

Windows XP and Vista users will need to do a make clean installation. Support your files, applications, etc in order to do the clean install. Speaking of which, Microsoft recommends getting the retail packaging and installing by booting from the DVD.

What do you think of the packaging? Planning on upgrading to Windows 8.1? Sound off beneath.

Source: Windows Web log

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