Further good news about upgrading to Windows 8, is that Microsoft says that Windows 7 and Vista users will be able to upgrade and retain files, applications and settings, and even Windows XP users won't have to lose any files.

"Of course, if you want to start fresh, you can choose to bring nothing along. Or if you prefer to format your hard drive as part of your upgrade experience, you can do so as long as you boot from media and then format your hard drive from within the setup experience for installing Windows 8, not prior to it," the blog post says.

This upgrade promotion for Windows 8 Pro both online and in stores runs until January 31, 2013.

For more on the changes in Windows 8 and how to use them visit . (See also: .)