Microsoft has officially closed the loophole that allowed Windows 7 and Windows 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Microsoft has recently closed the door on a hidden loophole that previously allowed Windows 7 and Windows 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Consequently, users who are still operating on these outdated Windows versions will now need to acquire a new license for Windows 10 if they intend to transition to a supported operating system.

Microsoft has committed to delivering updates for Windows 10 until 2025, but those with older hardware may encounter compatibility challenges when upgrading to the company’s latest desktop OS.

In a recent blog post, Microsoft made it clear that the official offer to upgrade to Windows 10 for free concluded in July 2016. Furthermore, the pathways that facilitated the free upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8 have been eliminated. Consequently, users who are still using older versions are no longer able to employ workarounds to update to Windows 10.

Although Microsoft initially permitted users to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8 without any additional charges until July 29, 2016, various workarounds and loopholes remained accessible for a significant period beyond the specified deadline.

Since then, Microsoft has introduced a new iteration of its desktop OS, namely Windows 11, which is the current supported OS model. Users who continue to operate on Windows 10 will cease to receive essential software updates by 2025, while Windows 7 and Windows 8 have already discontinued receiving security and feature updates.

For users who are already on Windows 10, Microsoft has noted that they can still upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost. However, the upgrade to Windows 11 necessitates relatively modern computer hardware, as specified by Microsoft’s hardware requirements.

Consequently, for many users with older computer systems, the most viable option may be to procure a standalone Windows 10 license, which will ensure access to updates until 2025, when Microsoft concludes support for the operating system.

Alternatively, customers may consider investing in a new computer that comes pre-installed with either Windows 10 or Windows 11, offering an updated operating system out of the box.