Windows 7 release details announced, including discounts

Today, Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) disclosed the details about the highly anticipated Windows 7 operation system, which is expected to be in the stores on October 22, 2009. Starting Friday, consumers in U.S. will be able to pre-order Windows 7 at discounts of more than 50%.

Microsoft has been working on the free-upgrade program which will allow consumers to upgrade copy of Windows 7 Home premium for $49 or Windows 7 Professional for $99, starting June 26. That offer is good for both XP and Windows Vista PCs, regardless of whether someone has been trying out the pre-release version of the operating system.  The offer however is limited to the time and number of copies Microsoft is willing to sell, which has not been specified yet. The upgrade will be available at Amazon, Best Buy, Microsoft’s own store, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Costco, Staples, Wal-Mart and several other retailers.

The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119. The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199. Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219. “Overall, customers will be paying less and getting more with Windows 7,” wrote Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft’s in-house Windows blogger.

Microsoft also announced that consumers who purchase a vista-based personal computer as of Friday will be eligible to upgrade the system to Windows 7 at no or little cost when it becomes available on Oct. 22nd. “Anyone who buys a PC from a participating OEM or retailer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate on it will all receive an upgrade to the corresponding version at little or no cost to customers,” wrote LeBlanc.

Please note that even though Microsoft has scheduled the upgrade program from June 26, 2009 to January 1, 2010, it is up to the chosen retailers and PC manufacturers to run the time frame of the upgrade program. They may offer the option for only short period.

HP has already announced the Free Upgrade to Windows 7 online. Other retailers and PC manufacturers are expected to follow soon.

For Windows 7 upgrade option FAQs: click here.