Windows 8 upgrade registrations open

Microsoft has now started accepting user registrations for Windows 8 upgrades and will continue accepting them till February 28, 2013. The deliveries, however, won't begin until October 26, 2012. Those users purchasing a qualifying Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 can go in for the registration by paying Rs.699.

The offer is applicable to customers (e.g. Home users, students, and enthusiasts) who purchase a qualified PC. A qualified PC is essentially a new PC that has been purchased during the promotional period with a valid Windows 7 OEM Certificate of Authenticity and product key, and preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, or Windows 7 Ultimate.

Registrations open for Windows 8 upgrade

Once users are done with their registration and get validated by Microsoft, they will receive a registration confirmation e-mail. Once the deliveries begin on October 26, 2012, the registered users will receive an e-mail containing the promotion code and instructions for purchasing and downloading the software. Users can redeem the promotion code that they receive during the upgrade ordering process to avail the promotional price.

Users can purchase a downloadable version of Windows 8 Pro. For an additional fee plus shipping and any applicable taxes or duties, they can even go in for an optional installation DVD.

Those who have purchased a PC prior to the offer duration can also register for the upgrade, but for a higher cost - approximately Rs.2,200.

Earlier in July this year, we had reported about Microsoft offering Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 as part of a promotional scheme. This offer is up for grabs up to the 31st of January, 2013 and will be available in 131 markets. Not only users with Windows 7 are eligible for this offer, but it is also valid for users who have Windows Vista and XP. Microsoft has not just stopped there; they have also stated that users can even add Windows Media Center for free through the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro after the upgrade procedure.

In was in June this year that we had reported about Microsoft announcing its Windows 8 upgrade offer for Windows 7 PC users in India at a price of Rs.699. At the time, however, the registrations had not begun and the below link informed users that it would be made available in the near future. At the time, Tami Reller, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Windows at Microsoft said, "We’ve seen a great interest in Windows 8, especially given the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview this week, and yet we know many consumers want a new PC now. The Windows Upgrade Offer gives people the flexibility to purchase the new Windows PC they need today, with the knowledge they can easily upgrade to Windows 8 when it’s available."

To register for Windows 8 upgrade, click here.