The End of an Era
Microsoft has officially announced that the option to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10 or 11 for free is no longer available. This would simply mean that users who were hoping to upgrade without paying will now have to reconsider their options.
A Brief History
Back in 2015, when Microsoft released Windows 10, they offered free upgrades to users running Windows 7 or Windows 8. This offer was made available until July 29, 2016. However, even after the deadline had passed, users found ways to upgrade without paying. No wonder Windows is the most widely used Operating System for personal computers. This trend continued with the release of Windows 11 in 2021 as users were able to upgrade for free, mainly from Windows 10. As long as their hardware was compatible, it is still a decent offer users could take advantage of.
Changes on the Horizon
According to a report from DeskModder, it is still possible to activate an installation of Windows 11 using a Windows 7 product key. Unfortunately, this method does not work in the most recent preview version of Windows 11. The exact timeline for the removal of this upgrade path from stable versions of the operating system is still unclear since Microsoft has not provided specific details on when this change will take effect.
What’s Next?
While the free upgrade option for Windows 7/8 users may be gone, it’s important to note that users can still upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free. So if you’re currently using Windows 10 and want to experience the latest features and improvements, you can still make the switch without any additional cost. It’s always a good idea to stay updated with the latest operating system to ensure you have access to the newest features and security enhancements. So if you’re ready for a change, consider upgrading to Windows 11 and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
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