Windows 7 users will be able to upgrade to Windows 11, but it won’t be easy.
The Lenovo website has a page about Windows 11. It states that Windows 7 users might need to do a clean install to upgrade to Microsoft’s new operating system.
This revelation comes as many users consider upgrading to Windows 11 and have different information about the hardware specs for Windows 11.
Windows 7 Users Must Clean Install to Upgrade to Windows 11
Many questions about upgrading to Windows 11 are answered on the Lenovo Windows 11 FAQs Page.
The question asks, “My company still owns some Windows 7 devices. These devices can be upgraded to Windows 11 if they meet the hardware requirements. Lenovo replied that Windows 7 devices must meet the hardware requirements to be upgraded to Windows 11.
While Microsoft has yet to confirm the statement, many should find it no surprise that Lenovo revealed the clean-install requirement.
As with all other Windows versions, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free for existing Windows 7 users. In addition, all configuration keys for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 are available within the new operating systems. To validate your Windows 11 installation, however, you will need your Windows 7 product key.
Microsoft also confirmed that the “Free Upgrade Offer” does not have an end date. However, Microsoft also stated that it reserves the right to end support for the free offer at any time and that the “end date” will not be earlier than one year after general availability.
Can Windows 7 Users Upgrade to Windows 11?
Microsoft has gone to great lengths to assure Windows 7 users that their apps and programs will still work in Windows 11. However, there is a flip side to this: While many Windows 7 systems continue to perform worldwide, not all will meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11.
Microsoft put forth a concerted effort to convince many users to upgrade from older versions of Windows 10. But, unfortunately, many Windows 7 users refused the upgrade and opted to stay with the old Windows 7.
Windows 11 is now available six years after Windows 10 was launched. Unfortunately, Windows 7 support has ended completely, making the operating system dangerous for most day-to-day operations.
Even though Microsoft offers Windows 11 for free to Windows 7 users, some users and businesses won’t switch because they don’t need specific software or services.
If Windows 7 users want to upgrade but don’t want a clean install, there is an alternative path that could be available. This route, however, could prove to be a valuable one.
