MILLIONS of PC owners have been warned about a “last chance” to get themselves a free Windows upgrade as a little-known loophole is closed.
The US software giant Microsoft is now stopping Windows 7 and 8 users from upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 without having to pay.
GettyMicrosoft is stopping a loophole which allowed Windows 7 and 8 users to get a free upgrade (stock image)[/caption]
When the developer first launched Windows 10, it let users upgrade to the new operating system free of charge.
The freebie officially ended in July 2016 – but users have still been able to unofficially upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
In essence, this was simply a loophole that Microsoft never bothered to shut – until now.
A spokesperson said: “Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 10 / 11 ended July 29, 2016.
“The installation path to obtain the Windows 7/8 free upgrade is now removed as well.
“Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are still free.”
Experts though have urged any Windows user wanting a free upgrade to move quickly as it is not known exactly when the loophole will be shut for good.
Tech expert Darren Allan wrote on TechRadar: “If you do want to avail yourself of a free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8, you better move sharpish. It may even no longer be possible by the time you read this.”
Elsewhere, gamers are only just realising that they can get a £50 Xbox game for free.
Microsoft is shutting down long-running ‘nostalgic’ app after 30 years – but fans say “it’s about time”.
Xbox fans are going wild for a ‘secret’ new console that will completely change the way you play.
Fans were left fuming after Microsoft stopped doing software upgrades to their Surface Duo tablet.
GettyTech experts have warned people need to move quickly if they want an upgrade for free[/caption]