Microsoft Corp. on Thursday announced the start of the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program enabling consumers and small businesses to receive Windows 7 when they purchase a qualifying Windows Vista personal computer starting June 26, 2009. Under the program, designated PCs pre-installed with premium versions of Windows Vista will qualify for licenses of the equivalent Windows 7 product. In addition, Microsoft disclosed pricing of various Windows 7 versions.

“There is a lot of excitement for Windows 7 in the marketplace today. However, many consumers need a new Windows PC for school, work or home before October 22. So starting June 26th, any customer who buys a PC from a participating computer maker or retailer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate will also receive an upgrade to the corresponding version of Window 7 at little or no cost,” said Brad Brooks, corporate vice president, Windows consumer marketing at Microsoft.  

The Windows 7 licenses will be provided to computer manufacturers at no charge from Microsoft; some manufacturers may require some modest payment for costs such as shipping and handling. This program is generally available through January 31, 2010 from computer manufacturers and participating retail partners selling qualifying editions of Windows Vista.

The estimated retail prices for full packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the U.S. are:

• Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99
• Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99
• Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99

This means that Windows 7 Home Premium full retail product is $40.00 less than Windows Vista Home Premium today.

In addition, Microsoft will offer people in select markets the opportunity to pre-order Windows 7 at a more than 50% discount. In the U.S., this will mean users can pre-order Windows 7 Home Premium for $49.99 or Windows 7 Professional for $99.99.

Tags: Microsoft, Windows