How to obtain the Windows 8 Pro $40 Upgrade?
By: Arie Slob
As you may know, Microsoft is offering a $40 upgrade for existing Windows users (Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are eligible) to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro. This offer is available till January 31, 2013.
So how can you get that price? You'll have to start by running the Windows Upgrade Assistant (5.18 MB). You are first presented with a report of applications/devices that are compatible and items that you'll need to review, then another unnecessary screen that asks you "what to keep" implying that it would make a difference in the edition of Windows 8 you would be offered. There's only the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, so whatever you choose, that's the version you'll be offered.
The US price is 1 penny shy of $40, while the EU price is one Euro cent shy of €30.
If you click the "Order" button, you are also offered the option to receive a DVD for an additional $14.99/€14.99. There is no need to spend that extra 14.99 though - ubless you have a slow internet connection and don't want to download the 2GB digital version. Once you have the digital download you can burn it to a DVD (or create a bootable USB drive).
Once you start the checkout process you'll enter your billing address, and then choose your payment choice, either by credit card or through PayPal.
On the confirmation page you'll notice you can enter a promotion code. You can get this code if you purchased a PC running Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013.
If you qualify for this promotion you'll be able to reduce the price a further $25 to $14.99!
To get the promotion code you have to register at a dedicated Microsoft WindowsUpgradeOffer web site, and wait for Microsoft to send you the promo code to your email address. You'll have to enter your Windows 7 product key at the WindowsUpgradeOffer web site to validate if you qualify for this offer.
This promotion is available in the following countries and regions:
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