Microsoft hasn't disclosed retail prices for shrink-wrapped, standalone versions of Windows 8, but the current
equivalent to Windows 8 Pro, Windows 7 Professional, is priced at $199.99.
Windows 7 editions that qualify for this offer are Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. It
doesn't cover Windows 7 Starter, the most basic version for consumers, nor Windows 7 Enterprise, designed for
workplace PCs.
Consumers who qualify don't necessarily have to install the Windows 8 Pro upgrade on the Windows 7 PC they
bought during the offer period. They could install the OS on an older PC running Windows XP, for example.
The other offer, announced this week, is for people who bought their Windows PC prior to June 2 and are running
Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7. They will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro via download for $39.99 or by
purchasing a DVD at a retail store for $69.99. The offer ends Jan. 31 and, like the other upgrade deal, is
available in 131 markets.
Windows 8 Pro is the most sophisticated of the two versions of the operating system for PCs and tablets running
x86 chips from Intel and AMD. The other version is called simply Windows 8. Both versions come with Metro and the
option to use the traditional Windows desktop.
Juan Carlos Perez covers enterprise communication/collaboration suites, operating systems, browsers and
general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Juan on Twitter at @JuanCPerezIDG.
