Microsoft on Monday began taking orders for the $14.99 Windows 8 upgrade promised to customers who purchased a new Windows 7-powered PC in the last 11 weeks.

People who bought an eligible Windows 7 machine starting June 2 can now file an online form to queue up for the Oct. 26 delivery of the upgrade.

The upgrade to Windows 8 Pro costs $14.99, more than in past cycles when they were often free, but less than the $39.99 for users who upgrade older systems to the new operating system.

Microsoft announced the upgrade program June 1. It covers most Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and Jan. 31, 2013.

Although registration opened Monday, orders will not be fulfilled until Windows 8's on-sale date of Oct. 26, Microsoft reminded customers.

"Starting on October 26, we will start sending out promo codes via email with purchase instructions," said company spokesman Brandon LeBlanc on a Microsoft blog.

The code will change the upgrade's price to the discounted $14.99; Microsoft will serve upgrades as a download that installs the new OS.

Customers who qualify for the $14.99 deal must provide Microsoft with name, email address, phone number, the date of purchase, the retailer, the PC brand and model, and in some cases, the 25-character Windows 7 product key associated with the PC. "You may be required to enter this as part of the registration," said LeBlanc.

PC World