Buzz
An announcement from Microsoft states: “Microsoft's free upgrade offer for Windows 10/11 ended on July 29, 2016. The installation link to receive the free Windows 7/8 upgrade has also been removed. Upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 is still free”.
Microsoft ends free upgrades from Windows 7/8 to Windows 11According to the announcement, the loophole in this upgrade support was supposed to end in 2016, but Microsoft kept it open for 7 years. You can even use a Windows 7 product key to activate Windows 11. It's unclear why the company has only “discovered” and revoked it now.
Currently, Windows 11 version 22H2 can still be activated on virtual machines, but newer Canary builds no longer accept activation requests.
Microsoft is exploring a lighter version of Windows 12, focusing on the education market web, aiming to compete with Chrome OS. It's touted as a simpler Windows version and expected to launch in 2024. This version won't replace standard Windows but will serve as an alternative solution for educational devices, emphasizing integrated AI and web experiences, especially with Microsoft Edge.
Additionally, Microsoft introduces a major update for Windows 11, adding Copilot, a new AI assistant. Copilot will reside in the sidebar and can assist users with various tasks such as searching for recipes and planning trips. The update also brings a new interface for File Explorer, adds a handwriting feature called Ink Anywhere, and brings improvements to the Snipping tool, RGB lighting control.
Read more: Nearly two years after launch, less than 25% of users are using Windows 11
