You can no longer activate new Windows 11 builds with Windows 7 or 8 keys::Bad news for those planning to activate Windows 11 with a Windows 7 or 8/8.1 key: users noticed that the latest Windows 11 preview builds no longer allow activation with old license keys.

  • echo64@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    That’s fine. But the chances of me giving Microsoft money for a copy of windows in 2024 is zero. I think that’s true of pretty much everyone.

    • const_void
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      1 year ago

      Yep and for your hundreds of dollars they serve ads all over your desktop.

      • HeyJoe@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        From what I have seen you can get a copy of pro from some 3rd party sites on sale for like $30 and around $50 normally. I would be ok with $30 but no way would I ever spend over $100.

          • WaxedWookie@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            Genuine question - are ads in 11 Pro?

            I know in previous versions that they left out the nonsense like hassling you about Edge, and dropping start menu tiles for candy crush - I’d be surprised if they decided to piss off their enterprise market as Apple seem to be gaining share.

            • L3ft_F13ld!@links.hackliberty.org
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              1 year ago

              No clue. I’m still on 10 and I always run o&o shutup and other tools after a fresh install. I don’t get ads and such. But hopefully someone else can tell you more about 11 specifically.

    • ilickfrogs@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Right? They try to make us the product by hard baking invasive telemetry into windows. Then want us to pay for it too? Nawh.

    • ElderWendigo@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      Most people buying a non-apple pre built machine or a laptop don’t really have a choice. Microsoft subsidized their hardware so that they end up “buying” windows regardless. Especially regarding laptops, there just isn’t always an option for buying the hardware and specs you want without getting Windows bundled by default. OEM bundling and business licenses are what’s keeping Windows dominant in desktop market share. They don’t need individuals to choose Windows, the choice has likely already been made for them.

  • orclev@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I mean, you’d have to want to activate a Windows 11 build in the first place. I’m doing just fine on Windows 10 and don’t see any reason at all to “upgrade”. Let’s see if they can manage not to bake ads and tracking into whatever comes after 11 and I’ll consider it then.

    • peastea@feddit.de
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      1 year ago

      Not a problem right now but Windows 10 is reaching its end of support two years from now in Oct 2025.

      • mxcory@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        1 year ago

        Personally, that is when I intend to switch to Linux. Will give 2 years of more proton, and wine, updates for me.

  • zerbey@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Still works with Windows 10 keys, however. Makes sense since Windows 8 and earlier are EOL now. Also, you don’t have to activate Windows if you don’t want to, it’ll just bug you occasionally.

    • jasep@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Actually it’s also affected for HWID activation. From the link you posted:

      Microsoft servers are currently rejecting HWID activation requests when activating through MAS, we’re checking what’s going on now. Use the KMS38 activation option for now.

    • Ænima@lemm.ee
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      10 months ago

      If I could upvote you more than once, I would! Thank you for the info!!

  • Link@rentadrunk.org
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    1 year ago

    Can I license Windows 10 with a Windows 7 key and then upgrade to Windows 11?

    Surely they wouldn’t revoke your license after the upgrade.

  • Ænima@lemm.ee
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    10 months ago

    Came to lemmy to ask about this. I suddenly see the overlay of “Activation Windows.” I’m using a key from Windows 7 Ultimate. Fuck Microsoft, thanks for making me finally pull the trigger on Linux, ya fuck wads.