Build Your Own System and Pay Less Than $100 for Windows 8

Now that Microsoft has officially confirmed that Windows 8 would see the daylight on October 25, an avalanche of rumors concerning the final price of the operating system emerged on the web.

Back in June, the software giant revealed that all those who purchase a Windows 7 license between June 2012 and January 2013 would only have to pay $14.99 for a Windows 8 Pro upgrade starting with October 26.

One month later, the company added that users of previous Windows iterations, including Windows XP, Vista and 7, will have to pay just $39.99 for a Windows 8 upgrade.

According to the latest rumors in the industry, system builders and small OEMs would have to pay less than $100 for a Windows 8 copy, with pricing to be very similar to the one of Windows 7 at the time of its launch. Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet adds that Windows 8 Pro will most likely be $20 to $40 more expensive.

As you can see, Microsoft is trying to focus more on Windows 8 upgrades and less on retail packages, most likely as an effort to reduce piracy and protect its products. Recent rumors even suggested that Microsoft is planning to drop the Windows 8 retail package and deliver the new operating system exclusively by Internet.

A company official, however, denied the rumor and said that although the Redmond-based firm is indeed struggling to fight software piracy, a retail box of the Windows 8 would still be available.

Microsoft has also launched a dedicated website for Windows users who like to purchase a Windows 8 upgrade for $14.99, so click here to choose your country and take advantage of the offer.