Microsoft today announced Windows 8.1 RTM retail pricing, upgrade path and packaging. The software giant didn’t change the price on its Windows product compared to Windows 8.
However, this varies based on the market, in the United States, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro will be available for $119.99 and $199.99 ERP respectively. Besides, you will be able to purchase the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack (contains only the product key) for $99.99 ERP to unlock all of the great features to Pro, as well as Windows Media Center. Windows 8.1 Pro users will also be able to buy Windows Media Center for $9.99.
As announced earlier, all existing Windows 8 consumers will get Windows 8.1 as a free update via Windows Store on October 18, and starting today, in addition to Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Enterprise is also available for Volume License customers via MSDN and TechNet subscriptions.
Microsoft also revealed Windows 8.1 upgrade path, which allows you to upgrade your copy of Windows 7 or higher to Windows 8.1 by buying a license.
Here’s is a quick and summarized view of all possible upgrade scenarios:
| CURRENT OS | UPGRADE OS | WHAT YOU CAN KEEP |
|---|---|---|
| Windows RT | Windows RT 8.1 | Windows settings, personal files, and apps |
| Windows 8 | Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro | Windows settings, personal files, and apps |
| Windows 8 Pro | Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Enterprise | Windows settings, personal files, and apps |
| Windows 7 Starter | Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro | Windows settings, and personal files |
| Windows 7 Home Basic | Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro | Windows settings, and personal files |
| Windows 7 Home Premium | Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro | Windows settings, and personal files |
| Windows 7 Professional | Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Enterprise | Windows settings, and personal files |
| Windows 7 Ultimate | Windows 8.1 Pro | Windows settings, and personal files |
| Windows 7 Enterprise | Windows 8.1 Enterprise | Windows settings, and personal files |
Non-supported Windows 8.1 Upgrade Path
- Upgrades from the following operating systems are not supported: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.
- Cross-architecture, Cross-language and Cross-SKU upgrades are also supported.
Moreover, Packaging for Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro and Windows 8.1 Pro Pack have also unveiled today. Microsoft has chosen to display Windows 8 logo on the front of the packaging, with a combo of two plain colors.
