Microsoft announced today on their Windows Team Blog that the Windows 7 Family Pack will be making a return to the market, just in time for the one-year anniversary of Windows 7"s retail debut.
Windows 7 Family Pack will allow consumers to upgrade any three computers in their house-hold to Windows 7 Premium. Consumers can upgrade either their Windows XP or Windows Vista PCs to Windows 7 Premium, with compatible hardware. But don"t worry if you are worried if your hardware can handle it, you can download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor through Microsoft.com to check whether your computers are Windows 7 ready.
Consumers should take note that they need Windows XP or Vista Starter, Home Basic or Home Premium to be eligible for the upgrade, and the Family Pack is only meant for upgrading.
Windows 7 was released nearly a year ago, on October 22, 2009. The OS originally released to manufacturing over one year ago. Microsoft announced that Windows 7 is the fastest selling operating system in history, selling over 175 million licenses to date. The company is projected to sell 300 million by the end of 2010.
Microsoft"s success with Windows 7 began before the product was even widely available. Released in October 2009, the operating system has received praise from consumers, businesses and the media. In November 2009, Windows 7 managed to surpass Apple"s Snow Leopard market share in just two weeks. In early February it was revealed that Windows 7 had reached 10% market share in just three months.
Windows 7 has also driven an uptake of 64-bit computing. According to ChangeBASE research, conducted with senior IT decision makers, more than 65% of businesses hoped to migrated to Windows 7 within 12 months of its release. Over 50% of those migrating will be choosing the 64-bit route. Microsoft confirmed earlier this year, that nearly half of all Windows 7 PCs run 64-bit versions.
The Family Pack was discontinued last year, but Microsoft is bringing it back on October 3, 2010, at least while supplies last. Windows 7 Family Pack will sell for $149.99 USD and can be picked up at your local retailer or online at the Microsoft Store.
Windows 7 Family Pack will be available in the United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia and many other markets.