Windows 7 Pricing and Upgrade Program Information Released

Today, Microsoft released its pricing model for Windows 7, the much anticipated operating system that will replace Windows Vista.

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

• Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99
• Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99
• Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99

And 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.

General availability of Windows 7 is scheduled for October 22, 2009 worldwide.

For those who need a new PC now but still want to get Windows 7, the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program starts tomorrow, June 26th. 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 of Windows 7 at little or no cost. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program will be available until January 31, 2010 – and it's global. For more information on taking advantage of the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program, visit www.windows.com/upgradeoffer.