“You’ll stay on like-to-like editions of Windows when you upgrade. Windows 7 Home Premium, for example, will be upgraded to Windows 10 Home.”

But what if you start with Windows 10 Home and later decide you want Windows 10 Pro? How much will the upgrade cost? What if your operating system is Windows Vista or XP? What if you’re planning on creating your own system and want to start from scratch with Windows 10? When it comes to Windows 10, how much will you have to pay? Let’s look at it more closely.

Along with the like-to-like editions description, Microsoft presented an upgrade chart (Figure A).

As you can see, Microsoft will distribute the free Windows 10 editions in this manner. This will be ideal for individuals who purchase the Windows 10 Pro edition. And for most people who are getting Windows 10 Home, this will be a good price. What if, on the other hand, you’re a true Pro who simply managed to get a Home edition of Windows 7/8? Will you be satisfied with Windows 10’s Home edition?

On my laptop, I know I won’t be content with the Home edition of Windows 10.

So, how much will it cost for people like us to get what we actually want?

The Windows 10 Pro Pack

Microsoft has issued statements to different technology media outlets, including CNET, confirming the existence of a Windows 10 Pro Pack upgrade package that will allow you to upgrade from the Windows 10 Home edition to the Windows 10 Pro edition. The Windows 10 Pro Pack will set you back $99 when you purchase it (USD).

While this may not appear to be much, it appears to be unjust when compared to FREE.

I understand that I’ll be upgraded to a like-to-like edition, but I was hoping for a respite. After all, I’ve been a long-time Microsoft supporter.

As you may recall, when Windows 8 was first released in October of 2012, upgrades to the Pro edition were only $39.99 for anyone who had previously purchased the product. This offer was valid until the 31st of January, 2013. After that, the price of Windows 8 was raised to its standard level.

Retail packages

The MSRP for copies of the new operating system has also been revealed by Microsoft. Windows 10 Home will cost $119, while Windows 10 Pro will cost $199. When compared to FREE, this appears to be a really good deal.

This is the cost of a full Windows 10 installation for anyone running Windows XP or Windows Vista on a PC capable of running the new operating system. This is also true for people who intend to construct their own systems.

If the goal is to get everyone off of previous operating systems and onto Windows 10, Microsoft should give a special pricing for a limited time to these people.

This isn’t the first time a deal like this has been made. When Windows 8 was first released, the Pro edition retail package cost $69.99.

I believe that if Windows XP/Vista users and system builders could purchase Windows 10 Pro for $69.99 for the first 90 days after launch, they would buy it far more than if they had to spend $199.

What’s your take?

Will you be pleased with a free Windows 10 Home update, or will you want to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro? Would you be willing to spend $39 for the upgrade if that’s the case? Would you be willing to pay $69 for Windows 10 if you don’t qualify for the free upgrade? Let us know in the comments section below.