Windows 8.1 launches in UK on 17th October, 2013

Just received the news from Microsoft's PR that Windows 8.1 will launch in New Zealand at 12.00am on the 18th October (so midday on the 17th in the UK) and roll out worldwide via a free update in the Windows Store. So yes, you will need a Microsoft Account to get this. Having tried the preview, I reckon it will definitely be worth the upgrade, as it fixes many broken features and improves usability, particularly for non-touchscreen devices.

Get a free Windows 8 Media Center upgrade

Crazily, Microsoft has removed the excellent Windows Media Center from Windows 8, quoting codec licensing costs as the main reason. It does, however, sell a separate Media Center Pack for Windows 8 Pro that costs £6.99 (Windows 8 standard version needs to be upgraded with the Windows 8 Pro Pack costing £49.99 at the time of writing).

Those already running Windows 8 Pro don't need to pay a penny, as Microsoft is offering free upgrade keys to anyone until 31 January, 2013. Just go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/feature-packs and enter your email address. There are no limits, apart from one key per email address. Once the key is received, it can be added to Windows using the Add Features to Windows 8 tool (just search for this from the Start screen, and it appears in the Settings results). Click 'I already have a product key' and enter the key. The upgrade will take place, and Media Center will be available after the restart. It is unchanged from the Windows 7 version, and still works with up to three analogue or digital TV tuners.

Free check for Windows 8 compatibility

With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft has reintroduced the free Windows 8 Compatibility Assistant for those contemplating an upgrade, but unsure whether their hardware or software is up to the job.

It can be downloaded from the Windows store at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

There's no need to purchase Windows 8 in order to run this. Users can also check the compatibility of specific software or devices at the Windows Compatibility Center.

Windows 8 OEM/System Builder UK launch prices

[UPDATE 25/10 - added revised prices]

UK specialist hardware site QuietPC.com has just published the discounted UK launch prices for Windows 8 boxed versions on its website. Although upgrade prices have been known for a while, this is the first time I've seen prices for the System Builder (OEM) versions. It states that the prices are valid from October 26, 2012 to 31 January, 2013. The prices seem to be much lower than the Amazon pre-order prices, so presumably the Amazon prices are the prices we'll see after the launch discounts expire.

Note that there is now no full retail version  - this has been replaced by the System Builder (OEM) version, and the new Personal Use license for this allows anyone to buy these versions for installation on a self-built PC. There are now no restrictions on transferring OEM versions to another PC - with previous OEM licences, the OS was locked to the hardware, making upgrading the motherboard a nightmare). So this version of Windows 8 looks like a bargain for DIY builders.

These prices compare very favourably to the $69.99 and $139.99 prices for the US standard and Pro versions. It will be interesting to see if there's any additional discount for online (ESP) download versions from Microsoft's online store.

Missing from QuietPC's price lists are the prices of the Media Center Pack and Windows Pro Pack. The former adds Media Center and DVD (MPEG2) playback capability to Windows 8 Pro, and the latter does the same for Windows 8 and simultaneously upgrades it to Windows 8 Pro. Amazon is showing the Windows 8 Pro Pack as costing £49.98.

(All prices include VAT and are for boxed DVD media)

UPDATE 25/10/12 - These prices have now changed as indicated:

Windows 8 Professional (OEM/System Builder) £49.99  £108.98

Windows 8 (OEM/System Builder) £39.98 £71.34

Windows 8 Pro Upgrade (DVD boxed version)  £29.99  £49.98

Scan has also posted some Windows 8 prices, but these are higher, and are perhaps the non-discounted prices.

Windows 8 £76.90
Windows 8 Pro £109.30


To read more about Windows 8's features, grab a copy of the latest issue of Computeractive magazine, where you'll find my in-depth guide to the new OS.

Order Windows 8 from Amazon:

Feature: Everything you need to know about Windows 8

The latest issue of Computeractive features one of my articles on the cover. It's introducing Windows 8 to the world at large, and covers most aspects that prospective buyers need to know, including a tour of the various versions, how to get it, what the main changes are plus much more. The magazine should be on sale soon in newsagents, and is an absolute bargain £1.99.  A special free (and readable!) online preview is available if you click right here. If you've ever found my blog useful, the best way you could thank me is to buy a copy :-)

For those outside the UK, a monthly iPad version is also available on the App Store.