All About Microsoft reports that Microsoft is getting closer to the Windows 8 finish line, and is finalizing details like its upgrade paths from older Windows releases to the coming version.

What won’t work: Users won’t be able to upgrade or keep their Windows settings, files or applications if doing a cross-language installation. (However, users will be able to keep personal files/data during a cross-language install by using Windows 8 Setup.) Microsoft also is also not allowing users interested in doing a cross-architecture — i.e., 32-bit to 64-bit — install to do so. Whether running Vista or Windows 7, these users won’t be able to keep their existing Windows settings, personal files and applications or data. They won’t be allowed to upgrade this way, period.

Microsoft launched earlier this month its latest Windows Upgrade Offer, via which users who purchase Windows 7 PCs between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 can purchase a copy of Windows 8 Pro for $14.99, once it is available.

  Microsoft details its Windows 8 upgrade plans