Microsoft has now blocked Windows 7 and 8 keys from activating Windows 11, closing a loophole that existed for years, allowing people to upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10 or 11 for free.
The company announced changes last month to prevent Windows 7 and 8 keys from activating Windows 10 and 11, even though the keys were still active at that time it was unclear when this change would take effect.
Microsoft started closing the upgrade path from Windows 7 and 8.1 to Windows 10 and 11 back in September 2023. It took Microsoft over eight years to conclude the offer that was originally meant to last only 12 months.
As of this week, Microsoft has completely blocked Windows 7 keys from activating new installations of Windows 11, according to the company.
Users have tested many Windows 7 keys during new installations of Windows 11, which you could use to install the operating system but not activate it.
Now, when you try to activate a Windows 7 key through Windows 11, you will receive an error message that says: “We can’t activate Windows on this device because you don’t have a valid digital license or a valid product key.”
Activations won’t change if you’ve upgraded your device from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 11 or used one of these old keys. The digital license should continue to work.
Systems activated using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 license keys remain supported and activated, and the company won’t deactivate your system for using the offer that should have been closed years ago.
Windows 10 keys can still activate Windows 11, as Windows 11 allows free upgrades from Windows 10, the latest operating system from Microsoft is striving to gain more users, as reflected in monthly statistical reports from Statcounter and similar companies, which is why it makes sense for Microsoft to allow current Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
