Windows 8 Media Center Pack is free until January

 Windows 8 Media Center Pack is free until January

Windows HTPC enthusiasts were up in arms when Microsoft revealed that Media Center was being stripped from Windows 8. It wasn’t totally gone, but instead relegated to the Windows 8 Pro Pack — an add-on that users would need to purchase for $69.99 that also includes missing bits like DVD and Blu-ray codecs.
But if you’re jumping on the Windows 8 train early, Microsoft has a special deal for you. If you purchase a copy of Windows 8 Professional, you’ll be able to download a copy of the Media Center Pack for free. If you want to install on top of Windows 8, however, you’ll need to purchase the full Pro Pack. You’ll get more than just Media Center, however. Microsoft says you’ll also receive all the Pro functionality after you reboot, too — which would include access to encryption features, the ability to join domains, booting from VHD images, and the ability to sideload Windows Store apps.
Like the discounted upgrade offers Microsoft previously announced, this one is set to expire on January 31, 2013.
So those of you who are willing to make the move within the next three months can snag Windows 8 Pro and Media Center functionality for a grand total of $39.99. If you’re buying a new PC, you should be able to get in on the upgrade action, too. As long as you’ve completed the activation process on your system you shouldn’t have any issues — all you need to do is fill in your email address, the captcha code, and wait patiently for your Windows 8 Media Center license to appear in your inbox.