Microsoft Offers Windows 8 Pro for $39.99

[Gahars]

Microsoft has just announced that they will be offering an upgrade program for their new OS, Windows 8. Anyone using Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 will only have to pay $39.99 to receive Windows 8 Pro.

The promotion will run through January 31st, 2013.

Blogging Windows

Windows 7 Professional, for comparison, launched at $199.99; doing the math, that means Windows 8 Pro would cost 80% less through this deal.

Windows 8 has been kind of controversial around the internet (and by kind of controversial, I mean all around bloodied, bruised, and burned at the stake by a good chunk of people), so it looks like Microsoft is trying to win favor with a very, very reasonable deal. It will be interesting to see if they win people or if the hate for eight continues.

 

[pokefloote]

I don't understand the hate. Isn't the new UI just a start menu of sorts, and there is still the classic view to use as an option? It was that way in an old beta I've used.

Edit: good thing it's so cheap. There doesnt seem to be much different in this release from Windows 7. Maybe a good chance for those on XP to finally update. But I don't know.

 

[IBNobody]

It's good of them to offer this, but I will pass.

I don't want to pay $40 to lose my start button and have everything replaced with a touch interface.

 

[Nathan Drake]

There's a lot of hate due to misinformation. The primary hate is over the Metro look, or w/e it's called. Most don't seem to know that the Windows look we've come to know and love should still be available. They just see screenshots of the more tablet and smart phone oriented layout and freak the fuck out. It's pretty much a standard internet response.

 

[Snailface]

I don't understand the hate. Isn't the new UI just a start menu of sorts, and there is still the classic view to use as an option? It was that way in an old beta I've used.

Edit: good thing it's so cheap. There doesnt seem to be much different in this release from Windows 7. Maybe a good chance for those on XP to finally update. But I don't know.

I do. They basically took Windows 7 and duct-taped a tablet OS to it which makes no sense to desktop users. While the Metro design looks cool, they should completely amputate it from the desktop package as it only gets in the way and adds little functionality.

It's really telling that they had to markdown the list price pre-launch. Ouch.

 

[DaggerV]

I don't think upgrade would net me a key to use anytime will it? Tempted to do this deal just for a legit copy to throw about.

 

[Joe88]

I will get free pro keys anyway from msdnaa so it really doesnt effect

 

[DaggerV]

Should pass one to me then

 

[AceWarhead]

Will it work on pirated Windows?

 

[Yumi]

That's nice of them. No?
If ya got 40bucks worth of coins, there you go.
Also, I lack knowledge in technology of PC's, but why couldn't they just leave the Start Menu with the bar?

 

[Devin]

I will get free pro keys anyway from msdnaa so it really doesnt effect

That in association with the Dream Spark program? If so sweet, I'm registered buy sadly can't get activated until my 18th birthday in March of next year.

 

[IBNobody]

Will it work on pirated Windows?

You're going to go legit for an every-other Windows release? Noooooooooooo! Don't do it, man!

 

[Gahars]

Also, I lack knowledge in technology of PC's, but why couldn't they just leave the Start Menu with the bar?

From what I understand (and I could totally be wrong here), Microsoft is trying to create an OS that will function across PCs, Laptops, Smartphone, and Tablet devices. Everything is streamlined to accommodate the mobile stuff.

 

[Sheimi]

Now this I can actually afford. I am really considering putting away $40 for Windows 8 Pro

 

[Anon10W1z]

Excellent deal, considering I'm building a computer and might want to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro from Windows 7 Ultimate when Win8 comes available.

Should pass one to me then

Yeah...not gonna happen.

 

[KingVamp]

If anyone buying a new laptop, some places offer it for $14.99. I was tempted to get it, but I didn't know the advantages.

Happy with window 7,but maybe I should have got it. ...Oh well.

 

[DaggerV]

Win7 is a pretty good OS to use. Wish I knew how to customize it better though. I formatted my laptop and the layout is different from what I was used to. Win 8 just seems like a reskin for most part. I don't know what's new in it.

 

[Lastly]

If anyone buying a new laptop, some places offer it for $14.99. I was tempted to get it, but I didn't know the advantages.

Happy with window 7,but maybe I should have got it. ...Oh well.

$40 for multiple licences
$15 for only one licence.

Hmmmm....

 

[AceWarhead]

Will it work on pirated Windows?

You're going to go legit for an every-other Windows release? Noooooooooooo! Don't do it, man!

Yes... I am going to the Dark side...
I heard the Dark side has service packs.

 

[the_randomizer]

I will get free pro keys anyway from msdnaa so it really doesnt effect

You're talking about MSDN licenses, right? Those are nice to have.