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Direct inquiryMicrosoft stops free upgrades to Windows 10 and 11
On 14 January 2020, the official support for Windows 7 ended. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for this operating system from this date. Many users are now wondering about the free upgrades from Windows 7 & 8 to Windows 10/11. In this blog post, we will clarify the current situation.
Why was the upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 free?
When Windows 10 was released in July 2015, Microsoft offered a free upgrade for users of Windows 7 and 8. This free upgrade was originally limited to one year, but was later extended by a full eight years. This was part of the company's efforts to get as many users as possible to use what was then the latest operating system. Windows 10 brought with it numerous new features and improvements that significantly enhanced the user experience.
Changes for Windows 7 & 8.1: licence and upgrade
Originally, you could enter the Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 licence key during activation and a new valid Windows 10 key was sent back from the Microsoft server, which you could then use. A so-called ‘digital conversion’ took place in the background.
Unfortunately, the company decided to discontinue the free upgrade option and did so at short notice. This means that users of Windows 7 and Windows 8 who have not yet upgraded to Windows 10 must now purchase a licence to upgrade. However, it is important to emphasise that it is still possible to switch from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10, but a licence must now be bought to do so.
What options do Windows 7 & 8 users have?
Purchase of a Windows 10 licence: users of Windows 7 & 8 who want to switch to Windows 10 can purchase a pre-owned licence that is legally compliant and audit-proof in the s2-Shop
Hardware upgrade: in some cases, it may be worth considering a hardware upgrade. Older computers may not be able to achieve optimal performance with Windows 10.
Expert support: in case of uncertainty, it is advisable to contact IT experts who can provide support during the transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Contact your trusted IT service provider here.
Conclusion
The free upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10 is no longer available. Windows 7 and 8 users should therefore seriously consider upgrading to Windows 10 to benefit from the latest security updates and features.
