Avast ye! If ye be still clingin' to Windows 7 or 8, ye better set sail swiftly fer Windows 11 or 10 afore it be too late!
2023-09-29
Arrr, ye scurvy dogs! Microsoft be puttin' an end to the long-forgotten free upgrade trick that's been sailin' the seven seas. Time to weigh anchor, me hearties, and find a new loophole to plunder!
In a surprising move, Microsoft has finally closed the loophole that allowed Windows 7 and 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 for free. This loophole had been in place since the launch of Windows 10, even after the official deadline for the free upgrade had expired.However, Microsoft has now made an official announcement stating that this unofficial upgrade path is no longer available. They stated, "Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 10 / 11 ended July 29, 2016. The installation path to obtain the Windows 7 / 8 free upgrade is now removed as well. Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are still free."
While an upgrade is still technically possible at the time of writing, this change has been applied to Windows 11 preview builds and will likely come through to the release version of the OS soon.
It is advised that Windows 7 and 8 users who want to take advantage of the free upgrade act quickly, as it may no longer be possible in the near future.
This unexpected development comes after the free upgrade offer had been quietly available for over seven years. It was believed that Microsoft was happy to let users continue upgrading at no cost to encourage adoption of newer versions of Windows.
Regardless of the reasons behind this change, users should make a decision soon if they have been holding off on upgrading. Time may be running out to take advantage of the free upgrade offer.