Microsoft has ended its free upgrade offer for Windows 7 and 8 users to Windows 10 or 11. This means that if you are still using Windows 7 or 8, you will need to purchase a new license to upgrade to Windows 11.
They originally announced that the free upgrade offer would end on July 29, 2016, but the company quietly continued to allow free upgrades for several years after that. However, in September 2023, Microsoft closed the loophole that allowed users to upgrade for free.
Reasons
There are a few reasons why Microsoft may have decided to end the free upgrade offer. First, Windows 7 is now over 12 years old, and Windows 8 is over 10 years old. Both operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft, and they are no longer secure.
Second, Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 7 or 8. This means that not all PCs that are currently running Windows 7 or 8 will be able to upgrade to Windows 11.
Finally, Microsoft wants to encourage users to purchase new PCs. By ending the free upgrade offer, Microsoft is making it more likely that users will need to buy a new PC in order to get Windows 11.
If you are still using Windows 7 or 8, you have a few options. You can continue to use your current operating system, but you should be aware that it is no longer secure. You can also upgrade to Windows 10, but you will need to purchase a license. Or, you can purchase a new PC that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed.
Tips
The following advice will help you select the best choice for you:
- If your PC is old and slow, you may want to consider buying a new PC instead of upgrading. Windows 11 has higher hardware requirements than Windows 7 or 8, so your PC may not be able to run it smoothly.
- If you are on a budget, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for a relatively low price. However, you should keep in mind that Windows 10 is also reaching the end of its support lifecycle.
- If you want the latest and greatest operating system, you will need to purchase a new PC that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed.
No matter which option you choose, it is important to make sure that your PC is secure. You should have a strong antivirus program installed, and you should keep your operating system and software up to date.
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