When Microsoft launched Windows 11, it was clear that it would have to take drastic measures to encourage users to switch to the said operating system, so it decided to offer the option free update to this version from Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

This promotion was nothing new. Microsoft already did the same back then with Windows 10, an operating system that was free to upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. In both cases the process was very simplealthough we had two different options that worked in a different way.

On the one hand, we could update directly and the installation process was responsible for automatically collecting the key from our operating system to convert to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 license.

On the other hand, we could also do a clean install and enter the activation key of our operating system during the process. This also made one of the two operating systems a valid license.

Microsoft has finally turned off the tap, no more free Windows 11

It confirmed this on its official website, where it also touches on other important topics such as the end of Windows 10 support, Windows 11 requirements and where it also recommends buy a new PC if ours doesn’t meet the requirements of Windows 11, given that the hardware and software have improved a lot and that today’s computers are much faster and more secure.

If you wanted to upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11 for free right now from a previous version like Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, you would no longer be able to do so. Microsoft he terminated this option at that timeand now it is also not possible to switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without logging out. Nothing works anymore.

If you want to install and activate Windows 11 legally you have to pay because like i said there is no alternative or no trick that works which was the case before. The only way to activate the listed operating system is with its valid license and no other version.

Some of our readers may be wondering if the Insider channel is still an option, and the answer is no. Don’t get me wrong, you can join the Insider channel and use Windows 10 or Windows 11 for free, but you will not receive an activation license.

You can use either of these two operating systems without a license, but you will have to accept the classic watermark, which always reminds you that Windows is not activated. This watermark can be very annoying and may interfere with some technologies and features that require running in full screen mode.

What can I do if my computer does not meet Windows 11 requirements

If you can’t afford to buy a new one, you have a few options:

• Update equipment, meet the requirements if possible. For example, if you have a first-gen Ryzen PC, just changing to second-gen Ryzen would already meet the requirement at the CPU level.
• Use Windows 10, which remains a very capable working operating system with support until next October. During this time, you will be able to save up to buy a new computer if you need one.
• You can also force install Windows 11 on your PC even if it doesn’t meet the requirements. I know many cases of people for whom it turned out very well, but it is not the most recommended option, because you could have problems.

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