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Microsoft's New PC Windows 8 Upgrade Deal Ends After Feb. 28
Microsoft clarified today that Thursday, February 28 will be the last day to get and use a promotional code entitling consumers to a discount on upgrading a new Windows 7 PC to Windows 8 Pro.
This offer is just for consumers who purchased new Windows 7 PCs between June 2, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2013. Those PC buyers can upgrade online to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99. However, Microsoft has mandated a qualification process with this deal that involves a registration process and download -- and both steps have to be completed by Feb. 28, 2013 or the deal becomes void.
Microsoft's announcement today describes the process. The promotional code gets sent via e-mail to the PC owner. It was a little ambiguous about when this promo code had to be used, meaning when Windows 8 Pro had to be installed by the user. However, today's announcement makes it clear that the installation has to occur by February 28.
"Once you've registered for the Windows Upgrade Offer, you'll need to use your promo code by February 28th as well," the announcement states.
Microsoft had a couple of other Windows 8 promotional deals going at one time, but those offers expired at the end of January. This month, the suggested retail price of Windows 8 increased to $199.99 for Windows 8 Pro and $119.99 for Windows 8. Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro now costs $99.99.
It is possible to upgrade to Windows 8 all the way back from Windows XP Service Pack 3, or it's possible to upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows Vista or Windows 7.
About the Author
Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.