The word goes around the market like Microsoft promises users a free upgrade to shell with golden chicks, code name Windows 7. But not to all users. If you already have (accidentally or not :P) Windows Vista, with or without a license, then you can start feeding the piggy bank with the money needed for upgrade (advantage PCs with Vista pre-installed; they will benefit from a discount not exactly to be ignored). But if you are planning to buy Vista in the next period, you would do well not to rush too much. The free upgrade to Windows 7 will only benefit those who will buy a PC with Windows Vista installed after July 1, 2009.

Microsoft has released an upgrade program for Windows. The upgrade program concerns upgrade paths from Windows Vista to Windows 7[…]

If you buy a machine preloaded with Windows Vista after July 1st 2009, you will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7 once it’s released. There are a number of restrictions, though; you are not allowed to upgrade from one language to another. In addition, the only upgrade paths allowed within the program are from Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium, Business to Professional, and Ultimate to Ultimate. All other paths are not allowed; people who buy Vista Starter or Vista Home Basic are not eligible for upgrades, for instance.

Whether we should take this announcement as good or not, we still don't know for sure. As usual, Microsoft still don't confirm anything, but let the rumors circulate freely. But those who reacted to these rumors agree that this might be a Microsoft policy from a sales increase on computers with pre-installed Windows operating systems.