Microsoft on Sunday resurrected the Windows 7 Family Pack. For $149.99, the bundle provides upgrade licenses to Windows 7 Home Premium for up to three devices.
To upgrade, however, the computers must already be running on either Windows Vista or XP systems and they must be capable of handling Windows 7.
At the full list price, buying the Family Pack will cost users about $180 less than it would to buy separate licenses for three computers. It’s available in the Microsoft online store and at participating retailers. Amazon.com sells the bundle for a little bit cheaper than most at $139.99. Microsoft didn’t indicate a specific end date for the sale of the pack and just said it was available “while supplies last.”
After Oct. 22 – the one-year anniversary of the Windows 7 launch – the family pack option will be offered in Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Australia and other international markets.
The upgrade includes a few new features. Users will be able to utilize the tools that are a part of Windows Live Essential 2011. Programs including Windows Live Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Messenger, Mail, Family Safety, and Writer on Live Essentials will allow users to share and manage content. Also, the addition of Windows Live Mesh keeps content connected across different devices and via the Web.
The Family Pack was previously available last fall, from the end of October through December.