As some registration opens, a guide to Windows 8 prices

Microsoft this week began registration for an upgrade to Windows 8 for select customers, but that isn’t the only way to get the upcoming system. In fact, there are quite a few ways, so here’s a guide to make some sense of all the options.

Windows 8 $14.99 upgrade for those who just bought a Windows 7

The registration that began this week, which was announced by the Redmond, Wash., company over Twitter, applies only to users who purchased a PC running Windows 7 this summer some time after June 2. Those users can go here to sign up for their upgrade some time before it expires Jan. 31.

Windows XP, Vista and 7 users can upgrade to Windows 8 for $39.99

If your current PC is running any of the three latest Windows operating systems, you’ll be able to upgrade to Windows 8 for $39.99. Microsoft has said these users will be able to digitally download the next operating system upon its release. If you want, Microsoft also says it will ship you a backup DVD with the operating system for an additional $15 plus shipping and handling. And just like the other option, this upgrade is only available until Jan. 31.

Windows 8 Pro $69.99 promotion

Currently, Windows 8 Pro is the only version of Windows 8 that has been announced for retail stores. This version of the operating system will be available for a discounted price of $69.99, but that will only last until, you guessed it, Jan. 31, according to the Verge. After that day, Windows 8 Pro’s price will skyrocket to $199.

Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro $69.99 upgrade

If you buy a PC after Windows 8 launches, you’ll also be able to upgrade to the pro version of the operating system until Jan. 31. This upgrade will cost the same as the retail version of Windows 8 Pro, which is $69.99, according to LapTopMag.com.

For now, those are all the pricing options Microsoft has revealed for Windows 8, but stay tuned, as the tech company could still reveal other options, including a retail price for Windows 8.

And the launch date for the next version of Windows is Oct. 26, so mark your calendar.

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