Years ago, specifically until the launch of Windows 8, upgrading to a new version of Windows cost money. Users who purchased a Windows XP or Vista key, for example, had to pay to install subsequent versions of the operating system. Microsoft offered to pay for the full key, or upgrade the current key to the new version for less money. With the arrival of Windows 8, things changed. Although, with Windows 11, it seems that it is back to its old ways.
Windows 10 became the first major operating system to allow you to massively update licenses from previous versions for free and convert them into original Windows 10 keys. This promotion only worked during the first year, although it is still valid today. It is possible to take advantage of this promotion through some exploits, such as extracting the XP license and embedding it in the system, or using the system’s accessibility tools.
With the launch of Windows 11, in 2021, Microsoft has carried out a similar practice. All Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 users could upgrade to Windows 11 for free and keep the license so they don’t have to check out. There are two ways to do it:
- Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, and keep the key.
- Do a clean installation, and enter the old license key to update it.
However, it seems that Microsoft has permanently turned off the tap. And, from now on, it will no longer be possible to upgrade to the new operating system for free.
Is it possible to use Windows for free?
If we paid for a Windows license at the time, and for whatever reason we have not yet made the leap to Windows 11, we confirm that, currently, it is no longer possible to do so in any way. In this linkMicrosoft makes it clear.
There are currently no free upgrade paths from unsupported versions of Windows to Windows 10 or Windows 11. You can purchase Windows 11 from Microsoft or contact a retailer for more options. You can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free.
Whether we are going to update the system or do a clean installation, the only way to activate the operating system to eliminate its restrictions (such as the watermark, or blocking customization options) is to checkout. and purchase a system key. It doesn’t matter if it is an OEM or Retail license, but we must use an original Windows 11 key.
Luckily, there is a little trick that will allow us to use the operating system without a license: install an Insider version. These trial versions from Microsoft allow us to use the operating system without problems or restrictions, with the only drawback that we will always be receiving beta versions that may have bugs or errors.
Is it worth it? From our point of view no. There are very cheap keys on the Internet that, although they are not 100% legal, are in limbo thanks to a European Union law. These reused licenses, sold on many websites, will allow us to use Windows without restrictions for just over two euros.
