14 DAY TRIAL // We’ve already heard that Microsoft might be planning some surprises in terms of pricing for those who want to get the new Windows 9 operating system, but more information that has reached the web today indicates that only those running the very latest version of modern Windows will actually benefit from these.
Russian leaker WZor, who has a really good track on providing information regarding upcoming Windows projects, has said in a very short tweet today that Microsoft is indeed preparing some special offers for Windows users, including a freeware license for those running 8.1.
While such news isn’t quite surprising given the fact that Microsoft really needs users to make the switch to Windows 9, it is a little bit different from what we heard in the past.
Previously, sources close to the matter said that Microsoft could go so far that Windows 9 might be offered with a freeware license to all those running a previous version of its operating system, including XP, Vista, and 7. But according to WZor, this isn’t going to happen, so only those who have installed Windows 8.1 and all the other updates would be allowed to get Windows 9 at no cost.
The same Russian leaker reveals that those who have purchased Windows 8, either separately or with a new PC running a pre-installed version of the operating system coming from the OEM, would also be allowed to get Windows 9 at a special price. The cost of the update would be approximately $20 (€15), WZor says, which actually brings it in line with the Windows 8 update offer available for Windows 7 users back in October 2012.
What makes less sense however is this second offer specifically aimed at Windows 8 users. Windows 8.1 and 8.1 Update are available completely free of charge to anyone running Windows 8, so why spending 20 bucks on a new operating system when you can freely update to the very latest version and then get the new product at absolutely no cost?
Of course, all these details are still vague right now, so nobody knows for sure what Microsoft is actually planning to do, but there’s no doubt that those running the latest versions of Windows will get some special offers.
Windows 9 Preview is expected to launch in late September, so expect Microsoft to break the news on the upcoming operating system next month, although the company is very unlikely to discuss licensing pricing so early.
Update: new source claims that Windows 9 might be free for Windows 8 and 7 users.