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Windows 8.1 Upgrade Paths and Pricing Details

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Almost all of us know about Windows 8.1 which will be a free update for Windows 8 operating system. Windows 8.1 will fix all the annoyances and issues present in Windows 8 such as missing Start button, annoying hot corners, boot into Start Screen, etc. Windows 8.1 will try to make Windows 8 a perfect OS for Desktops as well as touche enabled devices such as tablets.

We have told you earlier that Windows 8.1 final RTM version will be released to public on October 18th, 2013. It has been already released to TechNet and MSDN subscribers. Also a free Preview version of Windows 8.1 is available for public for testing purposes.

Microsoft announced in past that Windows 8.1 update will be free for Windows 8 customers but we didn’t know about Windows 8.1 pricing if we want to purchase it online or from local store. Today Microsoft has shared Windows 8.1 pricing details and upgrade paths.

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Windows 8.1 will be available for $119.99 and Windows 8.1 Pro will be available for $199.99. You’ll be able to purchase Windows 8.1 from official Windows website as well as from your local store.

One good thing about Windows 8.1 purchase is that you’ll be able to download or purchase full version of Windows 8.1 from Windows store or your local store. In other words, you’ll not need any existing Windows OS installed in your computer to be able to install Windows 8.1. You’ll be able to perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1 without any need of upgrading existing Windows version to Windows 8.1.

If you purchase a new computer in future and if it already comes with Windows 8.1 installed, you’ll be able to upgrade it to Windows 8.1 Pro for $99.99. If your computer contains Windows 8.1 Pro, you’ll be able to purchase Windows Media Center pack for $9.99.

Now lets talk about upgrade paths!

If you upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, it’ll be absolutely free.

If you upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1, your personal documents and files will be safe but you’ll need to install all 3rd party software again.

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If you want to upgrade from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 8.1, that’s not possible. You’ll need to take a backup of your important files and then perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1.

So what’s your plan? Will you upgrade to Windows 8.1 once it becomes available to public or are you planning to format your system to perform a fresh installation of the brand new Windows 8.1 OS? Feel free to share your comment…

Published in: Windows 8

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

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Comments

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  4. I have a desktop PC running Windows 7 Home Premium. I have a key for Windows 8 Pro 64 bit. Won’t W8 become W8.1 on 10/18/2013? So my product key should take me directly to W8.1 Pro 64 bit after 10/18, correct?

  5. Guess I’ll upgrade my Windows 7 into Windows 8.1 once the boxed retail copy arrives in our country. Time to save up some money!

  7. Well I already have windows 8 pro installed. Just waiting for the updates. Although the problem i’m facing is more of a driver issue rather than a software issue. My hotkeys don’t work properly. Example- fn+ “brightness up” button or any other buttons with those shortcuts don’t work. I hope this gets solved.

  10. +1 to Addy’s question. I’d like to know this too.

    I have 8.0 right now, but I want to clean install 8.1 using ISO image instead of updating.

  11. @Patrick
    Windows 8.1 RTM has been released to TechNet and MSDN subscribers. Also the same build has been leaked on Internet so many people have access to it. I’ll advise you to wait for a month and it’ll be available for public.

    @Anish Mehta
    Once Windows 8.1 RTM is released for public, you can update your Windows 8 to it via Windows Store free of cost.

    @Gustavius
    No. Windows 8.1 setup will be different than Windows 8.

    @Addy and Riddle
    Yes. It has been already mentioned in the above article. Microsoft will allow people to download full ISO of Windows 8.1.

    @NSDCars5
    Its mentioned in the article. Windows Vista can’t be upgraded to Windows 8.1. You’ll need to clean install Windows 8.1.

  12. From Steve Ballmer Windows 1.01 ad:
    How much do you guess?
    $500?
    a $1,000?
    Even More? NO! It’s just $99!

  16. can we upgrade windows 8.1 from Windows Vista Home Basic /Windows Vista Business/Win Vista Business 32Bit

  18. I Want to Purchase Windows 8.1 OS for new pc how can i Purchase it Online & what is price For it In India

  21. I bought a PC wit Linux Mint Installed in it. I want to use 8.1 Pro. Can I directly Buy 8.1 Pro OEM version 64 – Bit and use it?? Kindly Advce.

  23. Before purchasing Windows 8.1 Pro from Microsoft Store or other online websites, I want to try a trial version on my system..from where can I download a trial version officially..please suggest me…( I don’t want to download form torrent sites..) If possible please send me a link for Windows 8.1 Pro (64-Bit)

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