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Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 (all versions of both)

I'll first briefly touch on your upgrade path options, then discuss some cost effective methods regarding an actual upgrade.


Upgrade to Windows 8

You can upgrade to Windows 8 and keep Windows settings, personal files, and applications from the following Windows operating system editions:

Windows 7 Starter
Windows 7 Home Basic
Windows 7 Home Premium

Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro


You can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro and keep Windows settings, personal files, and applications from the following Windows operating system editions:

Windows 7 Starter
Windows 7 Home Basic
Windows 7 Home Premium
*Windows 7 Professional
*Windows 7 Ultimate "

Source: Microsoft TechNet. For the complete exhaustive upgrade path reference...

 *If you are running Windows Professional or Ultimate and you want to keep your applications without re-installing them, then your only option is to upgrade to the 'Pro' version of Windows 8.
A Cost Effective Method to Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8

Microsoft is currently offering Windows 8.1 as a free upgrade to Window 8.
Since Windows 8 can be purchased for well under $100.00, it would make sense to first upgrade to Windows 8, then once installed upgrade for free to Windows 8.1 via the Microsoft Store.
(You can save anywhere from $40 - $50 dollar via this method as opposed to purchasing the retail version of Windows 8.1 for around $119.99)

Before upgrading, as an extra cost savings, you should decide if you'll want/need the 'Pro' version of Windows 8. Windows 8 would be fine for most users, though as it was with Windows XP/7, you'll need the 'Pro' version of Windows 8 for the business environment. The Pro version is required if you intend to join the device to a network.  You'll also need the Pro version if you plan to remote into the computer from another device.

The retail version of Windows 8.1 Pro goes for around $199.00, thus the compelling reason to first go to Windows 8.0 Pro ,then upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro for free via the Microsoft Store.

Last word...

To save a bit further, you can purchase Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro from 3rd party online sites.
Be careful in doing so, and use a payment method like Paypal in case you encounter any issues.
For example, I purchased my copy of Windows 8 Pro from "http://www.discountmountainsoftware.com/" for $82.90, used it to upgrade a Windows 7 Pro machine. Afterwards, I proceeded to the Microsoft store for the free Windows 8.1 upgrade.  I saved over $116.00 dollars.

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