Microsoft is now blocking Home windows 7 and Home windows 8 keys from activating a duplicate of Home windows 11. It’s been a loophole that has existed for years, permitting individuals to improve from Home windows 7 or 8 to Home windows 10 or 11 freed from cost.
Microsoft initially introduced the modifications to dam Home windows 7 and Home windows 8 keys from Home windows 11 late last month, however on the time, we noticed that keys have been nonetheless activating, and it wasn’t clear when the block would really come into pressure. As of this week, Home windows 7 keys at the moment are totally blocked from clear installs of Home windows 11, Microsoft confirms to The Verge.
I’ve examined a number of Home windows 7 keys on a clear set up of Home windows 11 (22H2) at this time — and whereas I may use the keys to put in the OS, it wouldn’t activate. “We are able to’t activate Home windows on this machine since you don’t have a legitimate digital license or product key,” reads the error message if you now try to activate a Home windows 7 key on Home windows 11.
If you happen to’ve beforehand upgraded a machine from Home windows 7 or Home windows 8 to Home windows 11 or used one in all these older keys, your activation standing received’t change. You could have a digital license that ought to proceed to work. However for those who have been hoping to make use of this loophole sooner or later, it’s time to purchase a legit Home windows 11 key as a substitute.