It is possible that Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will be able to upgrade to this new OS for free
Microsoft will officially announce Windows 11 next week on June 24. Also, Microsoft may be offering a free Windows 11 upgrade to users who are still using Windows 7 and 8.1.
Microsoft has always allowed users who have used Windows 7 and 8.1 to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. This will most likely also be done when Microsoft officially releases Windows 11. This near-final version of the operating system (OS), which leaked last week, is still being dissected by fans and XDA-Developers. They have seen the Windows 11 configuration key which indicates that Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will be able to upgrade to this new OS for free.
Microsoft gave Windows 7 and 8.1 users a year to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, but the company never actually closed the gap. Maybe it’s in the company’s interest to get as many older Windows users as possible to upgrade to the latest OS version to keep them safe. Upgrading to the latest OS version for users of older versions of Windows, of course also benefits application developers. They will be able to reach more users through the Microsoft Store. Meanwhile, Windows 11 is expected to bring major changes to the digital storefront in the Microsoft Store.
According to Microsoft, there are now more than 1.3 billion active devices running Windows 10. However, according to the latest data from Statista, Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 still have a combined market share of 20.7% in March 2021. From Microsoft itself , actually still provides services to older Windows users, such as Windows 7. Although Windows 7 reached the end of support in January 2020, companies that want to keep using Windows 7 safely can still pay Microsoft for security patches.
After the launch of Windows 10 in 2015, Microsoft had to deal with many issues, including FUD telemetry, the new Windows as a Service policy, and the presence of annoying advertisements for Microsoft services. The release of Windows 11, which will take place next week, should give Microsoft a chance to convince Windows 7 and 8.1 users to upgrade, even though Windows 11 may be more of a development than Windows 10.
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