Chicago (IL) - Microsoft is planning to offer what many believe will be free upgrades to Windows 7 from Vista. Tech ARP acquired a document distributed to OEMs which divulges details of what is currently being referred to as the Windows 7 Upgrade Program. The program is designed to help bring forward those consumers who may be holding off making new PC purchases until after Windows 7 officially arrives.





The program is designed for consumers and includes absolutely no support for multiple upgrades for enterprise. Companies wishing to upgrade will have to utilize the volume licensing program, of which more information will be shared at a later date.



Don't get too excited though, the program only extends through its Program Eligibility Period. And, if you do not purchase one of the upgraded Vista versions then you'll be forced to purchase Windows 7 outright when it finally hits the market. If you bought Vista Home Basic, Vista Starter Edition, or XP on your new PC you'll just be out of luck.



Individuals who purchased Vista Home Premium can upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium, if you purchased Vista Business you can upgrade to Windows 7 Professional, and anyone who purchased Vista Ultimate can upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate.



At this point in time price has yet to be released, and Microsoft will leave it up to individual partners to make a decision regarding providing customers who qualify with the details of their possible upgrades.



Buying a new PC?

Which operating system to choose? This chart shows which versions may enable free future upgrades to Windows 7 versions, should the early leaked document prove to be factual:

Purchased Version	Description	Free Upgrade?	Upgrade Version
	Windows XP Home		Buy Windows 7
	Windows XP Professional		Buy Windows 7
	Windows Vista Starter		Buy Windows 7
	Windows Vista Home Basic		Buy Windows 7
	Windows Vista Home Premium		Free upgrade to: Windows 7 Home Premium
	Windows Vista Business		Free upgrade to: Windows 7 Professional
	Windows Vista Ultimate		Free upgrade to: Windows 7 Ultimate

Note: PCs must be purchased during the Program Eligibility Period, which does not yet appear to have been publicly disclosed.