Windows 8 Release Preview & Windows Upgrade Offer

[Corrine]

The Windows 8 Release Preview & Windows Upgrade Offer - #windows8

In a blog post earlier today on Building Windows 8, Steven announced that the Windows 8 Release Preview is now available for folks to download! I suggest reading his blog post as it discusses this very important milestone. The Windows 8 Release Preview marks the final phase of development before releasing to manufacturing (RTM), however we're not finished just yet and there is more to come (and more work to be done). But we are feeling really good about the progress of the product today.

{SNIP}

For Consumers:

Are you really excited about all the new PCs available today but thinking about waiting for Windows 8? Well you don't have to. We are also announcing today that starting on June 2nd, 2012, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Upgrade Offer in 131 markets including the US and Canada. Consumers who purchase eligible Windows 7 PCs that are preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity through January 31, 2013 will be able to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 (U.S.) which will be redeemable when Windows 8 is generally available (the program expires in February 2013). For more on the editions of Windows 8, see this blog post. When consumers register for the Windows Upgrade Offer, they will be able to download Windows 8 Pro starting the day it's made generally available and the upgrade comes with 90 days of support from Microsoft.