Windows 7 Free Upgrades for Vista PCs from July 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010

Even though Microsoft remains mute on the matter of its resurrected Windows Vista Express Upgrade Program, this time around with Windows 7 in the focus, leaked information points out that the eligibility period will be July 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010. During this timeframe, consumers that will acquire new OEM Windows Vista-preloaded machines from original equipment manufacturers participating in the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program will have the option of benefiting from a discounted, and even free, upgrade to Windows 7.

The Redmond company released the draft of the Windows 7 Upgrade Program to OEM partners on December 10, 2008, a document that was leaked by TechArp. Even at the end of 2008, Microsoft was planning to debut the initiative on July 1, 2009. Via the Windows 7 Upgrade program, customers acquiring Vista PCs will be given the opportunity of inexpensive and free upgrades to Windows 7, as long as they will buy the machines with Vista and not wait for the launch of Windows 7. The latest documentation leaked for the program reveals an Eligibility Period spanning from July 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010.

Microsoft has yet to confirm any of these details officially. Only Vista-PCs from OEMs participating in the program and sold between July 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010 will qualify for Windows 7 upgrades. The Program Calculation Period will last between April 1 and October 31, 2009, a timeframe in which OEMs must determine the volume of upgrade media that can be purchased by OEMs. The Initial Upgrade Media Fulfillment Date depends strictly on the general availability date of Windows 7, while the Final Software Fulfillment Date / Program End Date is April 30, 2010.

Microsoft will permit OEM PCs with Vista and a valID Certificate of Authenticity (COA) to be upgraded with the following paths: Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium; Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional and Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate. Windows XP will not qualify for the program, and Microsoft will not support XP to Windows 7 upgrades.