Microsoft Blocks Activation of Windows 11 with Old Keys

Microsoft is now preventing the use of Windows 7 and Windows 8 activation keys to activate copies of Windows 11. This action follows the presence of a known loophole that allowed individuals to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10 or Windows 11 for free.

Last month, Microsoft announced this change, making active keys from Windows 7 and Windows 8 no longer valid for activating Windows 10 or Windows 11. A precise start date for implementing this action has not been determined.

In September 2023, Microsoft began addressing the loophole that allowed upgrading from Windows 7 and Windows 8 to Windows 10 or Windows 11. It took over eight years to conclude this offer, which was initially supposed to last only 12 months.

Currently, Microsoft completely prevents Windows 7 keys from activating new installations of Windows 11. When attempting to activate a Windows 7 key on Windows 11, the user will receive an error message stating, "We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or a valid product key."

Activation status will not change if you upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8 to Windows 11 or use old Windows 7 keys, as the digital license should remain valid.

Old Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 activation keys are still activatable and usable, and Microsoft will not deactivate the system due to the use of historical activation keys.

Conversely, Windows 10 activation keys can still activate Windows 11, as Windows 11 offers a free upgrade from Windows 10.

This change is part of Microsoft's efforts to increase the number of Windows 11 users and provide free upgrades for Windows 10 users to encourage transitioning to the new system.