This means that if you are still using Windows 7 or Windows 8, you will need to purchase a new Windows 10 or Windows 11 license in order to upgrade
Microsoft has finally closed the loophole that allowed users to upgrade to Windows 10 and 11 for free from Windows 7 and 8.
Microsoft initially offered free upgrades to Windows 10 to users running Windows 7 or 8 until July 29, 2016. Even after the deadline had passed, users were still able to upgrade for free. This trend continued with the release of Windows 11 in 2021.
However, as of September 20, 2023, Microsoft has removed the ability to upgrade to Windows 10 and 11 for free from Windows 7 and 8. This means that users who are still using Windows 7 or 8 will need to purchase a new Windows 10 or 11 license in order to upgrade.
While it is still possible to activate an installation of Windows 11 version 22H2 using a Windows 7 product key, this method does not work in the latest Insider build in the Canary channel. It is also unclear when Microsoft will remove this upgrade path from stable versions of Windows 11.
Ultimately, users can still upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free.
