How much will it cost to upgrade to Windows 7?

Reuben Lee | Jun 26, 2009

(Credit: Microsoft)

In anticipation of the October 22 launch of the Windows 7 operating system, Microsoft has announced today an upgrade program for those who are planning to purchase new computers.

According to the software company, "from June 26, 2009, anyone who buys a PC from a participating manufacturer or retailer, with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate, will receive an upgrade to Windows 7 at little or no cost". The offer may, however, vary for each manufacturer or retailer as some may charge a fee for shipping and handling.

The program will last till January 31, 2010, with software redemptions offered until the end of February 2010.

A few things to note about the Windows 7 upgrade program:

It does not apply to those who have purchased Windows XP machines. In other words, if you are getting a PC with Windows XP, you are not eligible for the upgrade.
There is a limit of 25 upgrade licenses per person. Customers with more than 25 PCs are encouraged to pursue a Volume License.
The upgrade offer is not applicable to those who have purchased their PCs before June 26.
There are no upgrade options for those who are currently using Windows 7 RC1. As mentioned before, the trial version of the OS can be used till June 2010.
Users with Windows Vista Home Premium will be upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium. Vista Business and Vista Ultimate users will be upgraded to Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate, respectively.

Microsoft also confirmed that Windows 7 will start shipping in PCs from October 22, with individual software packages expected to roll out one week later. Fourteen languages of the new OS will be made available during the initial launch, with more languages added from October 31.

Windows 7	Version	Windows 7 Price (estimated)
Home Premium	Upgrade	S$219
Professional	Upgrade	S$359
Ultimate	Upgrade	S$379
Home Premium	Full version	S$359
Professional	Full version	S$529
Ultimate	Full version	S$549

The upgrade versions of the Windows 7 OS are for the current license holders of Windows Vista and Windows XP. Users who are planning to install Windows 7 on a clean system, or transfer the software from one PC to another will have to get the full version.

Here's the list of vendors and notebooks that are participating in the upgrade program:

Acer/Gateway/Packard Bell/e-machines: Selected models from the TravelMate, Aspire, Extensa, Veriton, Prestige and Gaming range.
Asus: No specific models announced yet.
HP: Pavilion dv2, dv3, dv4, dv6; Pavilion tx series; TouchSmart PC IQ800, IQ5XX; Pavilion elite edition E9000, p6000. (Note: There is a S$20 surcharge for material, shipping and handling.)
Dell: Inspiron; Studio; XPS; Adamo; Optiplex; Latitude Precision.
Lenovo: All Idea and Think systems.
(Note: There is a S$20 surcharge for material, shipping and handling)
Toshiba: No specific models announced yet.
Sony: Selected Vaio models.

We are still in the midst of getting updates from Microsoft, so don't panic if you don't find your laptop listed here. Alternatively, you may want to check with your local retailer on the specifics of the Windows 7 upgrade program in your country. Do note that in some cases, a coupon is needed for redemption of the new OS.

Filed under: Notebooks, PC & Peripherals, Software
2 Comments | Bookmark | Share