It seems that pre-release leaks, courtesy an e-retailer, is raining in on software big-wig Microsoft's parade. The Redmond-based company is slated to formally release its latest operating system, Windows 8, on Oct. 26; however, e-retailer Newegg is already taking pre-orders for the software.

Newegg has put up the packaging and pricing details of the Windows 8 software. The software is available for pre-order on its Web site, a fortnight before its official release. Following the e-retailer's move, Microsoft took to its official blog to announce the pricing and packaging details for Windows 8.

"Starting today, you can reserve a packaged DVD of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $69.99 USD ERP* (U.S.) at select retailers. When you receive your copy of the Windows 8 Pro upgrade, you'll see that the packaging takes a fresh approach, in the reimagining of Windows," stated the official Microsoft blog post.

Microsoft also mentioned that the retail boxes will sport five different front covers, which are shown on the company's Facebook page. The blog also states that consumers in the U.S. would be able to avail the offer at "Amazon.com, Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot and the Microsoft Store and many more."

Additionally, from Oct. 12 onwards, people will be able to ore-order new Windows PCS and devices from the company's OEM partners like Dell, Asus, Acer, Samsung, HP, and Sony.

Earlier on Oc.t 12, Newegg had opened up the pre-order in the morning and listed the various versions of Windows 8. The e-retailer is selling both the 32-bit and 64-bit variants of two OEM products: Windows 8 Professional and the Windows 8 standard version. The four products on offer from Newegg are as: Windows 8 Professional Upgrade for $69.99, Windows 8 Pro Pack (product key card only) for $69.99, Windows 8 (full version) for $99.99, and Windows 8 Professional (full version) for $139.99. Additionally, Newegg is also said to be offering a discount of $10 on Windows 8 pre-orders to consumers.

For consumers who want to wait until the official release on Oct.26, Microsoft averred that they would be able to "to upgrade online via Windows.com using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant for just $39.99 USD ERP*. Online upgrade to Windows 8 Pro is supported for 140 countries worldwide, with 37 languages, and 23 supported currencies."

The Microsoft blog urges users to take advantage of the Windows 8 Pro upgrade and to do it "so0ner rather than later" as the upgrade promotion for Windows 8 Pro (online and retail) is valid only till Jan. 31, 2013.

Microsoft will release its Windows 8 OS at an event in New York City on Oct. 26