Windows 7 or 8 Users Can No Longer Upgrade to Windows 11 For Free

If you’ve been hesitant to upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 11, the opportunity for a free upgrade has come to an end. Microsoft has officially ended the longstanding offer that allows Windows 7 and 8 users to transition to the latest version of the operating system without cost.

This essentially implies that Windows 7 and Windows 8 users will now be required to purchase an upgrade to the Windows 11 operating system. Microsoft initially introduced Windows 11 in 2021 as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users. However, an update system loophole has allowed even Windows 7 and Windows 8 users to access this free upgrade by using their existing Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys.

Microsoft had previously announced its intention to block Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys from activating Windows 11. This measure has now been implemented, as reported by The Verge. Interestingly, if you’ve already upgraded a machine from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 11, your Windows 11 activation status will remain unchanged. However, Microsoft will no longer accept keys associated with Windows 7 and Windows 8 for a clean upgrade to Windows 11.

In addition to this change, Microsoft recently introduced a significant update to the Windows 11 operating system. This update includes system-wide Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered features like Windows Copilot, an AI image generator tool for Paint, and more. Windows Copilot, in particular, stands out as a major enhancement to Windows 11, serving as an AI-based digital assistant capable of answering queries, launching applications, assisting with PC settings, and summarizing emails and web pages upon command.

In the latest Windows 11 September update, Microsoft has brought a host of AI-powered enhancements to its software ecosystem. Notably, the addition of Windows Copilot, an AI-based digital assistant, has redefined how users interact with the operating system. Other improvements include an AI image generator tool in Paint, text extraction functionality in the Snipping Tool, and an AI-driven auto-compose feature in the Clipchamp video editor.

These advancements enhance creativity and productivity for Windows 11 users. Furthermore, features like background blur for images, AI-driven search within the Photos app, and an expanded language offering for the Narrator accessibility tool make the computing experience more accessible and versatile.