Microsoft is ending the free transition from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 11
Microsoft, which has been allowing free transitions from the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems to Windows 11 for quite a long time, is discontinuing this strategy.
Microsoft has made a decisive move in its software upgrade policy, signifying an end to the free upgrade path from Windows 7/8 to the newer Windows 10/11. However, users looking to transition from Windows 10 to 11 will still be able to do so without incurring any costs. This policy shift implies that individuals operating on older systems will now face a fee if they wish to access the upgraded software.
Previously, some individuals sought permanent activation during the software upgrade process. They employed tools such as HWIDGEN and MAS to navigate the system, but these will no longer be applicable. Microsoft has thwarted such attempts by blocking related requests on their servers. Notably, computers that have already activated Windows 10/11 using these tools will retain their active status, as Microsoft has no intention of revoking those licenses.
Microsoft is ending the free transition from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 11
On the technological horizon, Windows 11 version 22H2 continues to accept activation on virtual machines. However, the recently released Canary build has ceased accepting activation requests. The future of Microsoft software also includes a development on a lighter, web-focused Windows 12. Targeted at the education market, and positioning itself as a contender against Chrome OS, Windows 12 is slated to be a streamlined version of the operating system, projected for release in 2024. It will not supplant the standard Windows variants but will serve as an alternative geared towards simpler, educational devices, emphasizing AI integration and robust web experiences, particularly through Microsoft Edge.
Further enhancements have been introduced to Windows 11 in a substantial update. This includes the introduction of Copilot, a new AI assistant that will be situated in a sidebar to assist users with a variety of tasks such as recipe searches and trip planning. Additional features presented in the update include a refreshed aesthetic for File Explorer, a new handwriting feature dubbed Ink Anywhere, improvements to the Snipping tool, and refined control over RGB lighting. Furthermore, Microsoft 365 users have the option to acquire Copilot for a monthly fee of $30, which aims to facilitate their work-related tasks.
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