Microsoft closes loophole allowing activation of Windows 10/11 with old Windows 7/8 keys

Microsoft is shutting down a longstanding loophole that enabled users to activate Windows 10 and Windows 11 with older Windows product keys. This loophole, which has been in existence since the launch of Windows 10 as a 'free' upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, was initially intended to last only a year. However, it continued to function for both Windows 10 and 11 until now.

While Windows 10 keys will remain valid for Windows 11, upgrading from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 10 or 11 is no longer feasible. Microsoft appears to be taking steps to prevent users from activating Windows 11 using outdated Windows license keys.

In a recent notification on the Device Partner Center, Microsoft informed customers that the pathway for obtaining free upgrades from Windows 7 and 8 to the latest Windows versions has been discontinued. In effect, updating from Windows 7/8/8.1 to Windows 10 or 11 is no longer an option.

The notification reads: “Microsoft's free upgrade offer for Windows 10 / 11 ended July 29, 2016. The installation path to obtain the Windows 7 / 8 free upgrade is now removed as well. Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are still free.”