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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.