For many years it has been possible to activate a new Windows 11 operating system with an old key for Windows 7 and Windows 8. The same applies to the still popular Windows 10. Golem.de was able to test this before the release of Windows 11 in June 2021. However, this should now come to an end.
In the future, Microsoft will deactivate the upgrade path with which old keys can be used for a new OS. The group confirms this in one Blog post. “The installation path to get the free Windows 7/8 upgrade has now also been removed”, is it[calledThecompanyalsonotes:APCmustmeetcertainrequirementsforWindows11inordertobeconsideredupgradableArelativelymodernCPUTPM20andSecurebootarerequired
Buy new Windows 11
Journalist Paul Thurrott was able to Twitter (X) confirm that the old product keys no longer work in the current release preview of Windows 11 23H2. Apparently users can still use it with the current Windows version 22H2. Until some time ago it was also possible to upgrade from Windows 7 and 8 to at least Windows 10. The OS will be supported until October 2025.
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In general, users can continue to upgrade a Windows 10 license to Windows 11 free of charge. The official Windows 11 license in the Microsoft Store costs 260 euros Pro version and 145 euros for the home version. Microsoft advises against purchasing keys from resellers. These are often volume license stocks that come from corporate licenses and should normally be deactivated. There are similar offers for Windows 10 licenses, which can currently be upgraded to Windows 11 free of charge.