As promised, the introductory low prices for Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro will be gone at the end of this month. Microsoft has been offering the upgrade version of Windows 8 Pro for as low as $39.99 for those content to download the system, and $69.99 for the operating system on a disc. But this discount is coming to a close at the end of January.
Microsoft announced upcoming prices for Windows 8 on their official blog.
Windows 8 upgrade editions will be priced as follows starting in February:
- The Windows 8 Pro upgrade edition will be available online and at retail for $199.99 MSRP (U.S.).
- The Windows 8 upgrade edition will be available online and at retail for $119.99 MSRP (U.S.).
- The Windows 8 Pro Pack will cost $99.99 MSRP (U.S.).
- The Windows 8 Media Center Pack will cost $9.99 MSRP (U.S.).
If you have purchased a computer between June 2nd, 2012 and January 31, 2013 with Windows 7 installed originally, you can still get the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 until the end of February 2013.
For those who build their own computers, Microsoft advises purchasing the System Builder version of Windows 8, which is available from retailers. Though they don't mention prices, I suspect the System Builder versions of Windows 8 will mirror those of the upgrade editions, so as not to undercut prices on them.
Windows 8 has not been a runaway success. The Start screen and the behavior of the apps found there have been a polarizing force on those who have even tried this operating system. And of course, programs that replace the Start screen are becoming more popular and widespread. Increasing prices on the system is just a death knell for widespread adoption of this operating system outside of the computers made by the big OEM companies. Microsoft simply doesn't have the momentum necessary to justify this price increase.
You can find the announcement at the Windows Blog.
