Along with a bevvy of functionality and features, the latest Windows Insider build, 10565, now allows you to perform a clean install by utilizing a valid key from Windows 7, 8 or 8.1.

Ugh this kinda sucks but I guess it doesn't really matter. I had a bunch of Windows 7 keys from 2009 that have been great with 10 and 11. I get that this free ride is over but it still sucks.

Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 10565 released yesterday with numerous functional improvements, but also a key change in the activation scheme: Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 product keys can be used to ...

This means that a Windows 7/8 key will not be able to activate a Windows 11/10 installation. To recall, Microsoft launched Windows 10 in 2015.

Windows 7 & 8 Key Activations Ended Microsoft has announced in an update on the device partner center that “Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 10 / 11 ended July 29, 2016.

Reader Dan writes in with a small but interesting tip: You don't have to right-click on the taskbar buttons to activate Windows 7's Jumplists—you can hold the left mouse button and drag upwards.

Microsoft warned us last month that our favorite Windows upgrade loophole was over, but now it’s official: The activation servers no longer let you use Windows 7 or 8 license keys to activate ...

In brief: Anyone planning to use an old Windows 7 or 8 product key to activate Windows 11 should probably pull the trigger now if it isn't too late. Microsoft has announced the end of a grace ...

So you’re ditching Windows 7 or 8 at last. That’s a good call, as the former got deep-sixed over two years ago, and the latter faces the same fate next year. Windows 10 and Windows 11 are more ...