Microsoft has finally confirmed it will sell upgrade editions of Windows 7 in the UK, as well as a three-computer family pack, but has raised the price of single full versions of the operating system.

The Family Pack will go on sale on the 22nd of October and will allow owners to install a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium on up to three computers. It will cost around £150, and will be available in limited quantities.

Initially Microsoft had planned to release a special version of Windows 7 without its Internet Explorer web browser in Europe. This made it impossible to sell the cheap upgrade versions, which allow users to convert a PC running Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7 at a lower cost, so it announced plans to sell full copies at cut prices.

After reaching an agreement with the European Commission that will enable it to include Internet Explorer 8 alongside a selection of other web browsers for users to choose from, this plan has been slashed. It has now raised the price of full versions of Windows 7, and announced cheaper upgrade editions.

From September until the end of the year, upgrades to Windows 7 Home Premium will cost £80, but in 2010 the price will rise to £100. Upgrades to Windows 7 Professional will cost £190, and upgrades to Windows 7 Ultimate will cost £200.

The price of a full copy of Windows 7 Home Premium has risen to £150, with Professional and Ultimate versions at £220 and £230.