If you have yet to upgrade to Windows 8 you only have 9 days to do so at the special price of $39.99. After January 31st the upgrade price will rise to the regular retail price of $199. You can upgrade from any previous version of Windows (as long as your PC is compatible). If you’re unsure if you can upgrade, you can download the Upgrade Assistant (here). Simply run the tool and you’ll find out if you’re eligible to upgrade on your PC. Using the tool is also the first step to upgrade if you do want to purchase the Windows 8 Pro upgrade.

If you don’t have a version of Windows at the moment, don’t worry. You can download the Windows 8 Release Preview and install it for free. Then run the upgrade assistant and you’ll be able to upgrade to the full version of Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99. I did this to get Windows 8 on my MacBook Pro and it worked perfectly (otherwise I’d have to purchase an OEM version of Windows 7 for about $100 and then pay $40 to upgrade).

The Windows 8 Release Preview is no longer listed to download from Microsoft, but you can download the ISO files via the links below. Note, these links are from Microsoft and downloading the Windows 8 Preview is NOT illegal as it is simply a limited preview install of Windows 8. You can use it to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro if you like, or use it to try out Windows 8 before purchasing it.:

32 bit Windows 8 Release Preview:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=251533
Product key: TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF

64 bit Windows 8 Release Preview:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=251532
Product Key: TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF

I personally love Windows 8. It’s quick, convenient and looks sleek. It runs just fine on my MacBook as well (installed via BootCamp). Definitely worth $40. I’m not sure I’d pay the $199 for it, but $40 is a steal!