The Windows 8.1 Pro upgrade need not cost $199; how about 79 bucks?

As reported earlier, Microsoft's online store started taking pre-orders for Windows 8.1 starting today, but now Richard Hay of the Windows Observer site has revealed a cheaper way to obtain the operating system.

Pricing for Windows 8.1 is $119.99 for the core version and $199.99 for the Pro version. However, Windows 8.1 is a free update for current Windows 8 users which will be provided via the Windows App store. Some resellers on Amazon have reduced the price of the Windows 8 Pro upgrade pack, this means that consumers can buy it and get updated to 8.1 starting October 17th for free, saving close to $120.

The steps as mentioned by Richard are:

Purchase the Windows 8 Pro upgrade pack for Windows XP, Vista and 7 from Amazon.
Upgrade to Windows 8.1 when it becomes generally available on October 17th on the Windows App store.

Since this is a discounted price listed by the seller, consumers should order Windows 8 upgrade packs while the offer lasts to avail of this reduced price.

Source: Windows Observer | Image via Microsoft