For a limited time, college students can upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 Professional for just $29.99, Microsoft said Friday.

For a limited time, college students can upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 Professional for just $29.99, Microsoft said Friday.

Students need to be currently enrolled at a university, with a current student ID and a valid email address. If they meet those criteria, then students simply need to visit this Microsoft site and register, where they will purchase a digital license key. The software will be delivered electronically via Digital River, Microsoft said, with an option for backup media.

Normally, students pay $64.95 to upgrade, Microsoft said. Microsoft did not specify whether the software was designed for 32-bit or 64-bit systems.

Students can also purchase Microsoft Office Professional Academic for $79.95, and the Microsoft Office Language Pack for $9.95, Microsoft said.

Ever since it launched Windows 7 with some amazing discounts, Microsoft hasn't shied away from occasionally offering discounts to users to persuade them to move away from Windows XP and Windows Vista to its latest OS.

The student discount easily trounces even the discounted OEM version of Windows 7 Home Premium, available for $99.99. A version of Windows 7 Professional costs $139.99 from Newegg.

Last year, for Windows 7. For $149.99, the bundle provides upgrade licenses to Windows 7 Home Premium for up to three devices.

At the full list price, buying the Family Pack will cost users about $180 less than it would to buy separate licenses for three computers. It's available in the Microsoft online store and at participating retailers. Amazon.com sells the bundle for a little bit cheaper than most at $139.99. Microsoft didn't indicate a specific end date for the sale of the pack and just said it was available "while supplies last."