Software giant Microsoft today announced that it will be charging full rate for Windows 8.1 upgrades from Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. Which means every single disc of 8.1 sold is going to be the “full version”, so in effect Microsoft will be selling just two versions of its latest OS: Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro.
On its blog, Microsoft highlighted a couple of changes that will be incorporated in the Windows 8.1 platform, and subsequent editions. In the past, if you purchased a Windows license through the online Microsoft store, you would only get the upgrade version, not the full version. But not so with Windows 8.1.
Microsoft has retained the pricing of Windows 8, with the non-Pro version carrying an SRP of US$119.99, and the Pro, US $199.99. For those who purchase a device bundled with Windows 8.1, an upgrade option to Pro called “Pro Pack” will be made available for $99.99. This upgrade includes Windows Media Center; if you happen to already own 8.1 Pro and want that perk, it’ll cost you an additional $9.99.
On the other hand, users already running Windows 8 will receive the update free of charge. The update is slated to hit the Windows Store on Oct. 17.
If you buy a device later this year that comes with the Windows 8.1 edition, users will be able to purchase the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack for US $99.99. If you are on Windows 8.1 Pro, you can buy Windows Media Center for US $9.99.
