Microsoft removes free upgrade option from Windows 7 to Windows 11

If you still use Windows 7 on your PC, you may be disappointed to know that Microsoft has officially ended the free upgrade option to Windows 11 for Windows 7 users. This means that you will have to pay for a full Windows 11 license if you want to upgrade your operating system or buy a new PC that comes with Windows 11 preinstalled.

Microsoft had previously announced that Windows 7 users would be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free until January 2023, as long as their hardware met the minimum requirements for the new operating system. However, in a recent blog post, Microsoft said it decided to cancel this offer earlier than planned, citing security and performance reasons.

According to Microsoft, Windows 7 is no longer supported by the enterprise and does not receive updates or security patches. This makes you vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks, and also prevents you from taking advantage of the latest features and improvements that Windows 11 offers. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 is the most secure, reliable, and productive version of Windows ever created and is designed to work perfectly with modern hardware and devices.

Microsoft also said it wants to encourage Windows 7 users to move to Windows 11 as soon as possible, before their PCs become obsolete or incompatible with the new operating system. Microsoft said it will continue to offer paid upgrades to Windows 11 for Windows 7 users until January 2023, but the price will vary by edition and region. Alternatively, Windows 7 users can purchase a new PC that comes with Windows 11 preinstalled and enjoy the benefits of a faster, smoother, and more secure computing experience.

Microsoft's decision to end the free upgrade option for Windows 7 users has generated mixed reactions from the public. Some people have expressed frustration and disappointment, saying that Microsoft is forcing them to upgrade or buy a new PC, even if they are happy with their current system. Others have praised Microsoft for making Windows 11 more accessible and affordable for everyone, and for driving the industry forward with innovation and technology.

If you're still using Windows 7 or 8, you may have missed the chance to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.

Windows 11 is Microsoft's latest operating system and offers a number of new features and improvements over Windows 10. However, not everyone can get it for free. While Windows 10 users can upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost, as long as their hardware meets the minimum requirements, Windows 7 and 8 users are out of luck.

This is because Microsoft recently removed the option to upgrade to Windows 11 for free using a Windows 7 or 8 key. This option was never officially announced by Microsoft, but it was a workaround that many users discovered and took advantage of. It was based on the fact that Microsoft allowed Windows 7 and 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free when it launched in 2015. That offer was supposed to expire in 2016, but it continued to work for years without any explanation. And when Windows 11 was released in October 2021, the same offer worked for Windows 11 as well.

But not anymore. According to Neowin, Microsoft posted a message on its Device Partner Center website earlier this month, stating that "the installation path to get the free Windows 7/8 upgrade has now also been removed." This means that if you try to use a Windows 7 or 8 key to activate Windows 11, it won't work. The only exception is if you are using an older version of Windows 11, such as build 22H2, which still accepts those keys. But if you use the newer 24H2 version or any future version, you will need a valid Windows 11 license.

So what can you do if you want to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 7 or 8? Well, you have two options. One is to buy a new PC or laptop that comes with Windows 11 preinstalled. This way you get the latest hardware and software in one package. The other option is to purchase a separate Windows 11 license and install it on your existing PC or laptop. However, this may not be possible if your device does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, which are stricter than those for Windows 10.

In short, if you are still using Windows 7 or 8, you may have missed the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Microsoft removed the option to use a Windows 7 or 8 key to activate Windows 11 and you will need a valid license to do so. You can purchase a new device with Windows 11 preinstalled or purchase a license and install it on your current device, if supported. Either way, you'll need to spend some money if you want to enjoy the benefits of Windows 11.