Windows 9 to be free for Windows 8.1 users?

Microsoft is reportedly planning to offer incentives for existing users of its OS to upgrade to Windows 9, the software giant's next-generation operating system that looks set to debut on 30 September.

This news comes courtesy of well-known leaker WZOR, reportedMyce, who has claimed that Windows 8.1 users will be offered the upgrade to Windows 9 for free, while those currently working with a retail or OEM version of Windows 8 could get it for a heavily discounted price ($20 in the US).

Microsoft also has plans in place to get rid of its ongoing Windows XP problem, by offering Windows 9 upgrade incentives to those still using the aged OS, it is claimed.

The company ended support for the older operating system earlier this year, but many are still holding on tight.

Microsoft clearly wants people on board with the new operating system as quickly as possible, and is willing to give it away for free to achieve this.

WZOR has become well known for offering reliable sneak peeks at Microsoft products ahead of their release, so there's plenty of reason to believe this latest leak may be accurate. There's also the fact that Windows 8.1 was previously made free for Windows 8 users to upgrade to.

The report also revealed that Microsoft isn't releasing a test version of Windows 9 Pro OEM, with a Windows 9 Enterprise technical preview already out there.

A developer preview event taking place on 30 September is widely thought to be where Microsoft will launch the new operating system, with pricing and features confirmed.