You know that $39.99 upgrade to Windows 8 Pro from any previous edition?
It’s about to go away.
As of January 31, 2013, the price of a Windows upgrade goes up dramatically. Here’s the official U.S. MSRP list (online and at retail) from Microsoft:
- Windows 8 Pro upgrade $199.99
- Windows 8 upgrade $119.99
- Windows 8 Pro Pack (upgrade from Windows 8 on a new PC, currently $69.99) $99.99
- Windows 8 Media Center Pack (add Media Center and DVD playback to Windows 8 Pro) $9.99
So if you’re thinking of upgrading, this might be a good time to stop thinking and start clicking.
Note that you’re allowed to purchase a total of five Windows 8 Pro upgrades at the $39.99 price. That total price tag is the same as a single upgrade will cost once the promotional offer ends.
And don’t expect Microsoft to relent and extend the promotional pricing. There were similar discounts available for Windows 7 in its early days that were never offered again.
Consider this a reward for being an early adopter.
Questions? I’ve got answers here:
Your top 10 Windows 8 questions of 2012, answered
And to answer the very first question in the comments, there are no changes to OEM pricing. The current promotions are for upgrades only. OEM prices were not discounted so there’s no “normal” price for them to return to.
[via The Windows Blog]
Ed Bott (@ wordpress.com) 
What happens to OEM pricing, does that also go up? (Especially relevant to Mac/Boot Camp or virtualization users, if they’re new purchasers.)
OEM pricing is not changed.
Ah, good, thanks, Ed – and, sorry, System Builder. I temporarily was caught in the past. 😉 In fact, seems street pricing is a bit lower.
Seems like a sure fire way to kill Windows 8…
Sure does, Scott…
Well, Microsoft did exactly the same thing with Windows 7. Really killed that OS, didn’t it?
Ed, if I buy a license now, do I have to install it by a certain date?
No, the license is perpetual and there is no requirement to install it by a certain date. You can also resell it, by the way…