In the UK, Windows 7 will be sold at around half the normal retail price for the first few months after release.
Microsoft announced the deal, in which the Home Premium edition will cost £79.99, as part of the Windows 7 prices revealed today.

Microsoft just laid out the Windows 7 pricing grid for us, and here’s the big takeaway: Vista and XP users will need to pony up $119.99, $199.99, or $219.99 on October 22 to score their Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate upgrade, and those of you who want a full retail disc will need to roll up with $199.99, $299.99, or $319.99 respectively. It’s not quite that simple, though: starting tomorrow, June 26, you’ll be able to pre-order upgrades at much cheaper prices — $49.99 for Home Premium and $99.99 for Professional, just as we’d heard — but pre-orders will be strictly limited in number and are expected to sell out quickly. Obviously we’d prefer it if final pricing was $49 and $99 for everyone, but it’s not a bad start, especially since participating manufacturers will be offering cheap / free upgrades to 7 on new computers sold after tomorrow with Vista as well.

Oh, and don’t you worry about scoring a place in line, because we’re here to help: later today we’ll be giving away 100 codes that guarantee a pre-order spot at the discounted prices, and you’ll be able to share the code with two friends. You’ll have to act fast, though — the codes will only be valid for 48 hours. Keep your eyes peeled for our recession antidote post around noon EST, and get your clicky-fingers ready.

Windows 7 Price Structures

Pre-Order Packages:

Home Premium – $49.99
Professional – $99.99

Upgrade Package Retail Product:

Home Premium – $ 119.99
Professional – $ 199.99
Ultimate – $ 219.99

Full Package Retail Product:

Home Premium – $ 199.99
Professional – $ 299.99
Ultimate – $ 319.99

Microsoft also announced a special time limited offer for customers in select markets to pre-order Windows 7 at a more than 50% discount. You can take advantage of this special offer online via select retail partners such as Best Buy, Amazon, or the online Microsoft Store (in participating markets).