For greater than seven years, it has been one of many worst-kept secrets and techniques in private computing. Officially, Microsoft’s free improve provide led to 2016, however nobody in Redmond bothered to reset the activation servers. The consequence? If you had a PC operating Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1, you could possibly improve to Windows 10 without spending a dime.
The loophole was even larger than it appeared. The 25-character product keys from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 had been nonetheless good for activating a brand new set up of Windows 10 or upgrading to the Pro version from Windows 10 Home.
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I first wrote in regards to the matter in January 2017 (“Yes, you may nonetheless get a free Windows 10 improve. Here’s how”) and have up to date it frequently within the intervening years. That publish has been learn tens of millions of occasions, and I’ve obtained 1000’s of emails from readers reporting their profitable upgrades.
As not too long ago as September 18, I used to be nonetheless receiving emails like this one:
A fast word – with thanks – to verify that the free Windows 10 obtain remains to be working. Just switched an outdated laptop computer over from Windows 7. Thank you!!
Well, it was enjoyable whereas it lasted.
An unsigned discover posted on the Microsoft Device Partner Center on September 20 made it official:
Windows Ends Installation Path for Free Windows 7/8 Upgrade
Microsoft’s free improve provide for Windows 10 / 11 ended July 29, 2016. The set up path to acquire the Windows 7 / 8 free improve is now eliminated as properly. Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are nonetheless free.
It’s noteworthy that this announcement seems on a web site that targets Microsoft’s OEM companions, who deliver within the lion’s share of Windows income due to their purchases of OEM licenses for brand new PCs. The firm had been pointedly silent on the free-upgrade loophole for seven years, whereas publicly encouraging clients to purchase new PCs relatively than upgrading outdated ones.
With the top of help for Windows 10 a mere two years away and PC gross sales slowing dramatically after a pandemic-fueled resurgence, Redmond’s consideration is specializing in the longer term. Specifically, on a future fueled by Windows 11 and its successors, operating on shiny new PCs that meet Windows 11’s minimal system necessities.
As the publish notes, upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11 are nonetheless free, and keys for the 2 variations ought to nonetheless be interchangeable.
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It’s unclear how many individuals might be affected by this transformation in coverage. Arguably, most PCs nonetheless operating an outdated, unsupported model of Windows in spite of everything these years are in all probability owned by people who find themselves firmly within the “Not gonna improve, ever” camp.
Over the following few weeks, I’ll be burning by my assortment of historical Windows product keys, testing improve situations to see if Microsoft is basically severe with its new coverage. If you have obtained outdated {hardware} that you simply’re making an attempt to improve, I’m focused on listening to about your expertise. Send your studies to: edbott (at) realworldwindows (dot) com.
