Microsoft has made a significant change in its activation process for Windows 11. Previously, users could activate Windows 11 using a Windows 7 or Windows 8 key. However, Microsoft quietly announced two weeks ago that this loophole would be closed. Despite the announcement, Paul’s own testing showed that it was still possible to activate Windows 11 using these keys. Now, Microsoft has confirmed to The Verge that the loophole has been closed permanently. Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys will no longer work for activating Windows 11, and users will need to purchase a new license. It’s worth noting that upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is still free as long as your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements.

Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 7 and Windows 8 officially ended in July 2016. However, until recently, users could still upgrade to the latest version of Windows for free. It’s important to note that without a valid license, certain features are restricted, including personalizing your desktop background or accent color.

150 new features on Windows 11

Windows 11 has been on the market for two years now, and Microsoft has just released a significant update with over 150 new features. One of the notable additions is the AI-powered Copilot assistant. According to Statcounter, Windows 11 currently holds a 24.73% market share, while Windows 10 still dominates with 71.03%. Windows 10 will be supported until October 2025, making it likely to remain the most popular version for some time. Additionally, the fact that core features like the Taskbar and File Explorer have been rebuilt from scratch and are still being improved may make some Windows 10 users hesitant to switch.

When is the release date for Windows 12?

Looking ahead, Microsoft is expected to return to a three-year development cycle for Windows releases. There are speculations that Windows 12 may launch next year with a greater emphasis on AI. It will be interesting to see if Windows 12 follows a similar strict hardware requirement as Windows 11, leaving certain devices behind.