Microsoft has announced that upgrading to Windows 8 Pro will cost $US39.99 -a good deal cheaper than what Windows users have been used to in years past.
The $US39.99 price applies to those upgrading from Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, according to a post on the Windows blog, and will be available until January 31 2013.
The price will apply in 131 unnamed countries. Microsoft Australia did not reply to request for comment by the time of publication.
Microsoft has revealed one catch – when Windows 8 Pro is available, users will need to upgrade via the Windows.com site to get it for $US39.99.
Purchasing the software via DVD will set users back $US69.99
When Windows 7 was released in the US, for a limited time upgrading to Home Premium or Professional was available for $US49 or $US99.
In Australia, when boxed copies went on sale, upgrade pricing was $A199 for Home Premium or $A399 for Professional.
Microsoft is yet to announce how much the full version of Windows 8 will cost.
Microsoft is also offering discounts to those purchasing a new Windows 7 PC between June 2 this year and January 31 in 2013, with upgrades available for $US14.99.