Microsoft reveals Windows 8.1 pricing; upgrade for Windows 8 users is free
Anyone who wishes to upgrade to Windows 8.1, but doesn't have Windows 8 already installed on that machine will have to pay for the update.
Microsoft has officially announced the pricing of the Windows 8.1 update. There are two aspects to this update. For any user who is already using Windows 8, the upgrade will be free. For others, who may be upgrading from Windows Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft says they will have to pay U.S. $119.99 for the Windows 8.1 version and U.S. $199.99 for the Windows 8.1 Pro version. However, the Redmond giant has mentioned that the pricing will vary from market to market, but in any case, a direct conversion to your local currency will give you a relative idea of how much the update will cost.
The Windows 8.1 version can be downloaded from Microsoft.com, and will also be available as the DVD package at a store near you. The update rolls out on October 18, for everyone.
Consumers can upgrade a Windows 7 PC which will transfer all their files, but will require them to reinstall desktop apps including Microsoft Office. For machines running Windows XP or Vista, the users will have to purchase the upgrade DVD from the store, and do a clean install of the OS on the machine.
Source: Microsoft