Microsoft has finally closed the loophole that allowed users to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to Windows 10 for free, even though the official offer ended in 2016. The activation servers were never reset, so users could still activate a new installation of Windows 10 using their previous product keys. However, an announcement on the Microsoft Device Partner Center made it official that the installation path for the free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8/8.1 has been removed. This change comes as Microsoft shifts its focus to Windows 11 and its successors, with upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11 remaining free.
The decision to end the free upgrade offer is particularly significant as Microsoft has been silent on the loophole for the past seven years. Instead, the company has encouraged users to buy new PCs rather than upgrading their existing ones. With the end of support for Windows 10 approaching and PC sales slowing down, Microsoft is now directing its attention towards the future, specifically Windows 11 and the requirement for new PCs that meet its minimum system requirements. Although upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11 are still free, the policy change may affect users who have been relying on the free upgrade loophole for years.
It remains to be seen how many users will be affected by this new policy. Most PCs still running outdated and unsupported versions of Windows likely belong to individuals who have no intention of upgrading. In the coming weeks, the author of the article plans to test upgrade scenarios using old product keys to determine if Microsoft is serious about enforcing the new policy. They are also interested in hearing about users’ experiences with upgrading old hardware.