How To: Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for Rs 1,999

After a year long of peek-a-boo, Windows 8 is finally here. Looking at how we have been using our mobile devices, Windows 8 is here to offer a seamless integration across various devices – desktops, laptops, tablets and phones. With Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to change the way we have been using our PC. If you are a Windows XP (SP3)/Vista/7 user and want to lay your hands on the new OS, then you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro instantly for only Rs 1,999, starting today until January 31,2013. Moreover, those users who have purchased a Windows 7 PC after June 2 can download the Windows 8 Pro for a discounted price. So, anyone with a Windows 7 PC bought between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 699.

Here’s a step-by-step procedure showing how you can upgrade your Windows 7 PC to Windows 8 Pro at Rs 1,999.

Step1: Go to Microsoft India website and you will find the option to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro. It is a limited time upgrade available for Rs 1,999 which runs from today until January 31,2013.

Microsoft homepage

Step2: Once you click on ‘Download Pro for INR 1999, a pop up will ask you to Save and Run it.

Install Windows 8 Updater

Step 3: It will install and start running the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant that checks if your PC can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro. It provides a complete compatibility report. Basically, it will assess your system to find out if it is compabtle with Windows 8 and inform you before you buy the OS.

Checking for compatibility

Lists out compatibility details

Step 4: Once it finds your system compatible, it lets you import your data like personal files, Windows settings and apps to your new Windows 8 installation. You can also choose to import nothing.

Choose what to keep

Step 5: The next screen lets you place your order for the Windows 8 Pro. In case you plan to buy it later, you can do so by restarting Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant.

Place your order

Step 6: The next screen will take you to the checkout. Here, you also get the option to get a Windows 8 installation DVD worth Rs 1,060.

Review your order...and you can also buy the Windows 8 installation DVD

Step 7: Once you click on checkout, Windows takes a little less than a minute to take you to the billing form. Just key in your essential details and click on Next.

Key in your billing details

Step 8: Once you hit ‘Next,’ it will confirm the order and you can also view the order summary.

Confirm your order and recheck all details

Step 9: Microsoft will send you an email receipt, provide the product key and begin downloading Windows 8 Pro.

Note the product key

The new Windows 8 Pro is quite cheap compared to previous versions.

Windows 8 Pro download begins

Getting an installation of Windows hasn't ever been easy. If you already have a Windows 7 installation, it's quite affordable as well. If you've just made the move to Windows 8, let us know what you think of it.