Despite the fact that the several Windows PCs selling in the retail stores are all preloaded with one of the many versions of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system, it is fairly easy to upgrade from one OS to another – thanks to the inclusion of “Windows Anytime Upgrade” feature of all Windows 7 PCs.

With all Windows 7 computers equipped with all of the features of the OS’ high-end Ultimate version, the “Windows Anytime Upgrade” gives the users the ability to buy a code and unlock new features in barely 10 minutes.

However, thus far Microsoft has not promoted the upgrade feature aggressively enough either to tempt Windows 7 users towards such upgrades – a policy that Microsoft is finally now changing, by initiating an advertising effort that begins April 4.

According to a Microsoft blog post, some US retailers will allow the buyers of a new PC to avail one of the two offers of a discounted upgrade to a higher-end version of Windows 7 – the $49.99 upgrade from Windows 7 Starter to Windows 7 Home Premium version; and the $79.99 upgrade from Home Premium to Professional version. The regular cost of these upgrades is $79.99 and $89.99 respectively.

The discounted upgrade offer, which will be available in the US till July 3, will give a boost to Microsoft’s endeavors towards ensuring that small businesses can get the Windows 7 OS of their choice.