Microsoft has announced pricing and package information for Windows 8.1. The update was previously confirmed as being free for anyone already running Windows 8, but when purchased new, 8.1 will cost the same as Windows 8: $119.99 for the basic package, and $199.99 for the Pro version.

Unfortunately, while 8.1 will be available as a full package (unlike Windows 8, which was only sold as an upgrade), it will not be available in a form that will allow upgrades from Windows 7. So if you are considering upgrading from Windows 7 to 8.1, it will be a two step process: 7 to 8, then 8 to 8.1.

Ars Technica has more.