Today, Microsoft has detailed Windows 8.1 price and packaging through an official blog post. Consumers who’re already using a device with a legitimate copy of Windows 8 will receive Windows 8.1 update free of charge through the Windows Store on October 18th. Those who want to upgrade from an older Windows version will have to buy this update. Windows 8.1 can either be bought through a retailer as a packaged DVD product or it can be purchased as a download from Windows.com. Pricing will vary by market, but in the U.S., Windows 8.1 will cost $119.99 and Windows 8.1 Pro $199.99. Pricing and editions for this update are similar to that for Windows 8.
Customers who purchase a device later this year that comes with Windows 8.1 pre-installed will be able to upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro for $99.99, the add-on will not only unlock Pro features, it will also bring Windows Media Center. Customers with devices that have Windows 8.1 Pro pre-installed can purchase Windows Media Center for $9.99. Customers who upgrade from Windows 7 will be able to retain all their files, though they will be required to reinstall desktop apps, even Microsoft Office. Microsoft says that Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices that run Windows XP or Vista, but if customers want to upgrade those devices, they should buy a retail packaged DVD and boot from the disc to do a clean install. Files, settings and programs will not be transferred to the Windows 8.1 installation in this case. Microsoft releases Windows 8.1 to the public on October 18th.
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