When Windows 8.1 rolls out on October 18th 2013 to Windows 8 owners as a free upgrade, anyone wishing to upgrade from a previous version or buy a new license in the US will need to pay at least $120 for the privilege of using Windows 8.1.
This time around you will not require an earlier version of Windows to install the new Windows 8.1 software as everything you need comes supplied on the disk or download.
Microsoft explains that it is not getting rid of the system builder SKUs with Windows 8.1. For context:
– Microsoft continues to have system builder SKUs (COEM) for Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro Editions: these are intended for pre-installation on new hardware systems assembled by system builders and do not include support from Microsoft
– The full packaged product SKUs — which are intended for use in a variety of scenarios by end users – include the most flexible license terms (e.g., transferability) and support from Microsoft
– The system builders SKUs do not have the DIY rights introduced in Windows 8 and customers that need clean installs and support from Microsoft should purchase FPP
Although if you want to keep all your files in the upgrade to Windows 8.1 you will need to meet certain criteria. “You’ll still be able to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 using the new installer — doing so will keep all your files intact. But you’ll need to re-install any software from your Windows 7 system.
Windows XP and Windows Vista users will need to perform a full install instead of an upgrade. That means your files, settings, and apps will be deleted — so make sure to backup anything you need before starting.” says the Liliputing website.
For a full list of all the new features within Microsoft’s new Windows 8.1 operating system jump over to the Microsoft website. Microsoft explains:
“We built Windows 8 to bring a modern computing experience to businesses and to help professionals stay connected to their colleagues and clients from anywhere, anytime. Windows 8.1 advances this vision and introduces new manageability, mobility, security, user experience and networking capabilities that will be available later this year – with the goal of offering customers the best business tablets and versatile modern business PCs driven by the most powerful operating system designed for today’s modern businesses.”
Source: Liliputing
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