Microsoft made it absolutely clear in many occasions that Windows 8.1 update will be free for current Windows 8 users starting October 18th, 2013, via the Store. But today the company has finally revealed the new prices for the updated operating system, and, as it turns out, the new OS will cost the same as Windows 8.

Before we dive into the pricing details, perhaps the biggest news is that Microsoft will no longer offer upgrade versions (retail or download), every copy you purchase starting Windows 8.1 will be the full version and it will not require a previous version of Windows to be installed before the upgrade — Good! –. “This shift allows more flexibility for customers in specific technical scenarios and is in response to feedback we’ve received.”

Pricing

  • Windows 8 to Windows 8.1: Free!
  • Windows 8.1: $119.99
  • Windows 8.1 Pro: $199.99
  • Windows 8.1 Pro Pack: $99.99 (This version upgrades Windows 8.1 to 8.1 Pro and also includes Windows Media Center)
  • Windows Media Center: $9.99 (for Windows 8.1 Pro users)

This is interesting, did you noticed? Surprisingly Microsoft isn’t killing Windows Media Center in Windows 8.1. I guess there is still a good demand for it.

Also it seems that Microsoft won’t be offering any discounts as the company did for Windows 8.

How to upgrade from Windows 7, Vista, and XP

Alright, there is no more upgrade media, so how do users with previous version of Windows will upgrade?

  • Windows 7 devices can upgrade using the retail DVD or download software. Users will able to keep their personal files, but will require them to reconfigure the OS and reinstall the desktop applications.
  • Windows XP and Vista devices aren’t supported to upgrade to Windows 8.1. So the best way to upgrade is by doing a clean install, after backing up all personal files. Microsoft recommends to use the retail DVD, but you can also use the download version by creating a bootable media (USB or DVD). This type of upgrade will also require to re-configure the OS and reinstall the desktop applications.

Source Windows Blog