Microsoft blocks free Windows 11 update option for Windows 7 and 8 users

Microsoft is now blocking the free passage for Windows 7 and 8 users to upgrade to the latest Windows 11 version. Old Windows PC users will now need to get a Windows 11 key to use the new version, which means they will have to pay a fee to get Windows 11 for their PC.  

Microsoft rolled out Windows 11 in 2021 as a free upgrade to Windows 10. Due to a loophole in the update system, the operating system has been available as a free upgrade to even Windows 7 and Windows 8. The loophole allows users to upgrade to Windows 11 using the key linked to Windows 7 and Windows 8. 

Microsoft announced to block Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys from Windows 11 late last month. But it is only now when the block has actually come into force. Surprisingly, the Windows 11 activation status would not change if a user has already upgraded a machine from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 11.  

However, Microsoft is now not accepting keys linked with Windows 7 and Windows 8 for a clean Windows 11 upgrade. 

Last month, Microsoft rolled out an update to Windows 11 operating system that brings system-wide Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Windows Copilot, AI image generator tool for Paint, and more. Windows Copilot is one of the biggest updates to Windows 11. The AI-based digital assistant answers queries, launches applications, helps users manage PC settings, and summarise emails and web pages on command. 

Besides the Windows 11 copilot, Microsoft added an AI-powered image generator tool in its Paint, text extraction feature in Snipping tool, and AI-based auto compose feature in Clipchamp video editor. Other upgrades in the Windows 11 September upgrade includes background blur for pictures and AI-based search capabilities within the Photos app, enhanced backup feature, and more language options for the Narrator.