Rumor: Windows 8 upgrade discounts to start June 2

Microsoft

The launch of a new Windows OS is always a big event, but one unfortunate side effect is that sales drop severely in the months previous to the release, in anticipation. In order to prevent this, Microsoft has in the past offered a reduced OS upgrade price for people who bought PCs immediately before launch time. They did it in 2009 before 7 replaced Vista, and rumor has it that a similar promotion will take place starting next month.

Mary Jo Foley, longtime reporter of all things Microsoft, reported Thursday that June 2 will likely be the day on which new PC purchases will start counting towards a Windows 8 upgrade. When reached by msnbc.com, Microsoft had no comment.

The timing would coincide nicely with the next Windows 8 milestone, the "release preview," or the first release candidate. The actual launch is supposed to take place in October, so that leaves plenty of time for consumers to pick up the various ultrabooks and tablets that will be making their debut before then.

(Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.)