Pricing and Packaging for Windows 8.1

[Brink]

For consumers with Windows 8 devices today, Windows 8.1 will be a free update via an easy download from the Windows Store* starting on October 18th**. Windows 8.1 will be a must-have update for those devices - bringing new features and improvements such as greater personalization, Bing Smart Search, and more than 20 new and improved Microsoft apps and services. We are excited to be delivering such an important update to customers in just one month and nearly a year after launching Windows 8. However we also recognize there will be some folks who may want to upgrade devices running older versions of Windows to Windows 8.1. The information in this blog post is meant for those people.

Consumers who are not using a Windows 8 device will be able to buy Windows 8.1, either as a download from Windows.com or at your local store as a retail packaged DVD product. While pricing varies by market, in the U.S., Windows 8.1 will be available for $119.99 ERP (U.S.) and Windows 8.1 Pro will be available for $199.99 ERP (U.S.). The pricing and editions for Windows 8.1 are similar to what we have today for Windows 8.

One shift to note in Windows 8.1 is that we will be offering “full version software” at retail and online for download that does not require a previous version of Windows in order to be installed. The copy of Windows 8 that is currently available for sale at retail and online is an “upgrade version.” This shift allows more flexibility for customers in specific technical scenarios and is in response to feedback we’ve received. It will be easier for those consumers who want to build PCs from scratch, run Windows 8.1 in Virtual Machine (VM) environments, or run Windows 8.1 on a second hard drive partition.

For non-Windows 8 devices, here is how upgrading to Windows 8.1 using the retail DVD and download software will work:

• Windows 7: Consumers can upgrade a Windows 7 PC which will bring along all their files, but will require them to reinstall desktop apps including Microsoft Office.
• Windows XP & Windows Vista: Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows XP or Windows Vista. Although not designed or recommended for devices running Windows XP or Windows Vista, consumers still wanting to upgrade from Windows XP or Windows Vista should buy the retail DVD instead of using the download and boot from the DVD to do a clean install of Windows 8.1. Note: files, settings and programs will not transfer – Consumers will need to back up their files and settings, perform clean installation, and then reinstall their files, settings and programs.

If you buy a device later this year that comes with the Windows 8.1 edition, you will be able to purchase the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack for $99.99 ERP (U.S.), which unlocks all of the great features unique to Pro, as well as Windows Media Center. If you are on Windows 8.1 Pro, you can buy Windows Media Center for $9.99 (U.S.).

If you are on the market for a new device today, I suggest taking advantage of our PC Selectorto find the right Windows 8 device that is perfect for you. And remember, you will be able to update your device to Windows 8.1 for free through the Windows Store.
Windows 8.1 evolves Windows 8, bringing the latest advancements in hardware, apps and services and the OS to enable a unique experience in everything you do.

More to come on Windows 8.1 including new devices and retail offers as we near October 18th!
* Internet access required; fees may apply.
** Starting at 12:00am on October 18th in New Zealand (that’s 4:00am October 17th in Redmond).

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[andrew129260]

I wouldn't get it even if it was free. They have really messed up with windows 8.
From reading the comments it seems that people are clueless on how to update. They should have offered this in windows update. Would have made it less confusing for users it seems.

 

[alphanumeric]

I wouldn't pay out to update my 7 desktops to 8 or 8.1. 7 does just fine on those. My laptop came with 8 core preinstalled. The 8.1 update is a step in the right direction. I'm liking what I see so far. No plans to install 7 on that. I did a clean install from my TechNet ISO. Since I have TechNet I've installed 8.1 on my main desktop too. It has dual monitors and I want to see how Metro works with those. That's much better in 8.1. If you already h8t 8, 8.1 isn't likely going to change your mind. if you were on the fence though it might make you convert.
I think the store update could end up backfiring on Microsoft. Its a big update and the Windows kernel gets updated. It's more than your usual service pack. Plus I think most forum members will agree that upgrade installs almost always have issues with stability and reliability. This could end up generating a lot of negative press if a lot of updates go south. Just restoring the original Windows 8 install could be a problem for some if they didn't create recovery media before hand.
The install issues with the RTM ISO files stems from the fact that they will not accept a Windows 8 product code during the install. You have to enter a Windows 8.1 product key to install. Once installed though you can activate with a Windows 8 product key. If that sounds confusing, it is?

 

[boohbah]

i cant wait , wish it was this month

 

[ThrashZone]

The only thing I wish Microsoft would of done,
Is they kept the Update advisor the way it was when win-7 was offered,
Combining it in the win-8 download/ after purchase really makes no sense,
Unless I'm completely wrong then it makes all the sense in the world

 

[mjf]

Apart from the shortfalls of Windows 8, this "pricing by market" as stated in the release means price gouging. I don't think price gouging in 1st world countries is a smart move when selling a tenuous product. The opportunity for a substitute product to take hold is now. MS couldn't have positioned the market better for competition IMO.

 

[DreadStarX]

The only thing I wish Microsoft would of done,
Is they kept the Update advisor the way it was when win-7 was offered,
Combining it in the win-8 download/ after purchase really makes no sense,
Unless I'm completely wrong then it makes all the sense in the world

Microsoft is like Job Corp; When joining said company, leave all expectations of logic & intelligence at the door.

If you want to know the reference behind Job Corp comment, PM me and I shall explain.