Free upgrade to Windows 11 also possible with Windows 7 and 8

We have already reported on how you can upgrade any device with the Windows 10 operating system to Windows 11 free of charge. Now we have experimented with computers still running Windows 7 or Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. And lo and behold: the switch to Windows 11 is also possible on these devices, including product activation with the licence for Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 - but only on the same device on which the old Windows version was previously activated with this very licence.

The video explains how to use the Rufus software to create a boot medium for installing Windows 11 that does not check the hardware requirements. After installing Windows 11, it is possible to activate the new operating system with the old licence for Windows 7, 8 or 8.1.

However, you must back up your data and reimport it after installing Windows 11, as well as reinstall all software. The change only succeeds as a clean reinstallation.

We carried out our tests on 10 May 2022. Microsoft can end the activation option of Windows 11 with an old licence for Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 at any time.

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