Microsoft is telling its partners how users can upgrade to Windows 8 from previous versions of Windows. Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired 
People looking to upgrade to Windows 8 this fall are thirsty for details. How will the process work, and what’s the deal for each specific legacy version, from Windows 7 to Windows Vista to (gasp) even Windows XP? Apparently, Microsoft is already sending some partners Windows 8 upgrade details, according to ZDNet sources.
We already know that people purchasing Windows 7 devices between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 will be able to get Windows 8 Pro as a $15 upgrade. As for the rest of PC users — even those still on Windows XP — here’s what’s in store.
If you want to upgrade to the consumer version of Windows 8, you’ll be able to keep all of your existing settings, files, and applications only if you’re upgrading from Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, and Windows 7 Home Premium. If you want to get Windows 8 Pro, you’ll need Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, or Windows 7 Ultimate to keep all settings, files, and applications.
And, finally, for a Windows 8 Enterprise upgrade, users with Windows 8 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise will be able to keep all of their existing settings, files, and applications.
If you’re running Windows Vista or Windows XP, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to get Windows 8. But there is bad news: Windows Vista and XP users will only be able to maintain personal files — that is, settings and applications will have to start off fresh. And you’ll need Service Pack 3 or higher if you’re upgrading from Windows XP.
A couple other caveats: No matter which current version of Windows you’re running, you won’t be able to perform a cross-language upgrade without losing settings, files, and applications. And Microsoft will not allow any cross-architecture installs.
While this might seem a bit convoluted at first, the key takeaway is that Microsoft is providing the majority of Windows users with a way to upgrade to their preferred version of Windows 8. The company, however, has yet to announce pricing details on most upgrade options.
Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/06/windows-8-upgrade/
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