WPC: Free Upgrade Tool Comes with Windows 7 this Fall

Looking to upgrade to Windows 7? From July 19 through September 30 2010, Microsoft and Laplink are bundling a free copy of PCmover Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant with each purchase of Windows 7 Upgrade Open License purchased through Ingram Micro U.S.

Given that there isn't an in-place upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 supported, this is a compelling offering, allowing IT to easily upgrade XP and Vista computers to Windows 7 (including from 32-bit to 64-bit) with the software. PCmover is a straightforward, step-by-step application that walks you through a simple upgrade process. (Read a review here.)

In addition to making life easier for you, this is a smart move for Microsoft, which has received a fair amount of criticism for not supporting an in-place XP to Windows 7 upgrade. (Granted, Microsoft has never supported an upgrade two OSs up, but since so many people didn't upgrade to Vista, some users felt that that would've only been fair. If nothing else, this seems like a "make good" on the part of Microsoft.)

This partnership between Microsoft and Laplink was announced at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2010.

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