14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8, Microsoft’s next-gen operating system, is expected to become commercially available sometime in October, when users will be able to purchase it with new hardware, or upgrade from previous flavors of the platform.
In preparation for this, Microsoft has launched a new Windows Upgrade Offer for all users who purchase new Windows 7 PCs in the coming months, offering them the possibility to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for a discounted price.
As part of this offer, all those who acquire a new qualifying Windows 7 PC in between June 2nd, 2012, and January 31st, 2013, will be able to get Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99 (U.S.) during the promotion.
The platform upgrade will be redeemable when Windows 8 becomes generally available, Microsoft said, adding that this is only one of the special offers related to Windows 8 that it has in store for users.
The program starts today in 131 markets around the world, including Canada and the US, and it is available for users buying new PCs pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate that also includes a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity.
The program expires at the end of February 2013, and all Windows 7 PCs that qualify for the upgrade will have to be redeemed before that. The upgrade comes with 90 days of support from Microsoft
“We’ve seen a great interest in Windows 8, especially given the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview this week, and yet we know many consumers want a new PC now,” said Tami Reller, chief marketing officer and chief financial officer of Windows at Microsoft.
“The Windows Upgrade Offer gives people the flexibility to purchase the new Windows 7 PC they need today, with the knowledge they can easily get Windows 8 when it’s available.”
Users interested in taking advantage of the offer can already head over to Microsoft’s website to register for receiving updates on when they will be able to receive their upgrades.