This leaves current XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users several upgrade options, and with an expected October release date, there is still plenty of time to prepare. Upgrading to a new language also bars system settings and applications from being transferred, but personal files will remain unaffected. As part of the deal users who are running either Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 will be able upgrade to Windows 8 for just 39.99. There are a few more specific restrictions, like cross-architecture upgrades - 32bit XP, Vista, and 7 users can only upgrade to 32 bit Windows 8, and likewise for 64 bit Windows. Microsoft announced Windows 8 upgrade plans for PCs running previous versions of Windows as it nears the launch of Windows 8 operating system. You can also go from Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional, and from Vista Ultimate to 7 Ultimate. XP users with SP3 can upgrade directly to Windows 8, but only personal files will be preserved. For instance, if you have Windows Vista Home premium you can upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium.Customers that do have SP1 will have their system settings transferred as well. Vista users without SP1 can upgrade to Windows 8, but only personal files will be preserved.

Customers running Windows 7 Pro or Enterprise editions can update to Windows 8 Enterprise with system settings, personal files, and applications intact.

Not compatible with VISTA, XP or CHROMEBOOK machines.

Users running Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, and Professional will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro with system settings, personal files, and applications intact. With more features than Home or Pro, Windows 10 Education is Microsofts most robust version.

Users running Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, or Home Premium can upgrade to Windows 8 with their system settings, personal files, and applications intact.

The news is mostly good: Windows XP, Vista, and 7 customers can all upgrade to Windows 8, but there are some restrictions. Microsoft is offering Free windows 7 upgrade under the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program. According to ZDNET, Microsoft has detailed its Windows 8 upgrade plans to select partners.

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