Windows 8.1 Core $119.99,Pro $199.99

Windows 8.1 Core priced at $119.99+ for full install in retail packaging or download.

Windows 8.1 Pro priced at $199.99+ for full install in retail packaging or download.

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.

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.).

One shift to note in Windows 8.1 is that Microsoft 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 they’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 Core 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 a Windows Media Center key for $9.99 (U.S.).

http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/...17/pricing-and-packaging-for-windows-8-1.aspx

 

Still too expensive. Why can't they just copy Apple's pricing of 29.99$ ?

 

Apple charges you $30 for a "new OS version" and makes you pay for an update every year.

Microsoft charges you $120 for a "new OS version" every few years and gives you free service packs every year in the interim.

Over the course of a decade, they're actually about the same cost to someone who buys every paid update.

 

Apple also makes profit on the hardware they sell, yes you can make a hackintosh, but let's be honest, most people wanting to use OS X buy a Mac.

 

Since corporations have to buy the Pro version, and really they are for the most part the only ones that need it,

Corporations have to pay 66.6% more than anyone else. Coincidence?

 

The Windows 8.0 Pro Keys I have that were $15 and $39 and the Free Media Center Key are looking better and better.

I have the Windows 8.1 RTM installed with the Windows 8.1 Pro key and activated with the $15 Windows 8.0 Key.

After activation the Free Media Center Key that was activated before the cut off date works fine on 8.1 RTM.

 

It's almost as if they don't want any sales. Going over the magic $100 is just a bad idea.

I hope they sell it for less in the developing world.

 

In 2009 or 2010, I bought a copy of Windows XP (full install, retail packaging, no university discount or anything like that) to install via Boot Camp on my laptop of the time, a MacBook Pro. I paid well over $100...I think I paid $180.

And here's Windows 7 (full install, retail packaging), selling for $179.71 on Amazon: Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium: Software

This pricing is entirely in line with what Windows (full install, retail packaging) has cost for years and years. If anything, it's lower than it's been in the past.

 

This part lost me - hasn't there always been an full non-upgrade retail (FPP) version of Windows?

 

Where have you seen a boxed Retail Full Version of Windows 8.

The only Retail boxed Windows 8 DVDs I've found are Upgrade versions.

The only Full Version DVDs I find are not Retail but System Builder.

 

Yup, Windows 8 is only available in the upgrade or system builder form. Windows 7 was available as both retail and system builder, Windows 8.1 is looking to be only available as a retail package.

 

This article talks more about the standalone version of Win 8.1, and the benefits.

Microsoft makes Windows 8.1 more DIY-friendly with full versions | PCWorld

 

Question about this: when I upgrade to 8.1 on my laptop that came pre-installed with windows 8, will I be able to perform a clean install or will that make it impossible for windows 8.1 to recognise that it should be a free upgrade?

 

Windows 8.1 build 9600 RTM that is on TechNet is what will be the GA version available on October 18th for download or boxed Retail purchase.It just will no longer be called RTM.

In all probability there will be updates on Windows Update on the 18th as has been the practice in the past that will bring the OS up to date with the newest fixes.

Naturally you would need the newest driver and utility updates for your system also.

Realtek has been supporting Windows 8.1 in their HD Audio drivers since build 7016,NVIDIA has 8.1 supported drivers as does Intel for WiFi.

****There is no upgrade path from 32-bit to 64-bit versions of Windows 8.0 to 8.1 or any other version of Windows

 

Still waiting for Windows 7 SP2 for 2 yeaars ahead.

 

Anyone know how big the 8.1 update will be in MB or GB? I for one will be applying this update to my W8 machines.

Glad i only paid $30 for my two W8 Pro licenses w/ free MC.

Sent from my XT557 using Tapatalk 2

 

It's 3.49 gb. What is the total Size of windows 8.1 update? - Microsoft Community

 

This may be the best there is for an W7 SP2
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...3sqO_VzMdSAED4b1j6sB5ag&bvm=bv.52288139,d.dGI

 

I just bought Win8 Pro (Full Version DVD) for $20. Should I wait until 8.1 is out or just use 8 Pro? This always happens to me, lol. I buy something then a new version comes out soon after.

 

You'll get the 8.1 update for free.

 

Oh, lol. That's good. Thanks for the info. :thumbsup:

 

As a matter of fact, given that there are no upgrade retail package for 8.1 as far as I know, it might be cheaper to buy an upgrade to 8 and then get the free update to 8.1 for some.

 

Glad I am not most lol with my OSX Linux tri boot machine.