With the arrival of Windows 10, Microsoft wanted users of old versions of its operating system to be able to update without much trouble, keeping their programs, data and settings. With its pluses and minuses, and the problems that appeared (which were not few) in the process, going from Windows 7 to Windows 10 was more or less simple. And also the license was updated. With the announcement of Windows 11, Microsoft is going to repeat the same so that users who already use Windows 10 can make the leap to the new OS. However, what about those who still use Windows 7?
Little by little, both Microsoft and the OEM manufacturers are revealing more details about what the update process will be like to make the leap to the new Microsoft system. As long as there are no hardware incompatibility issues (something that will certainly give a lot to talk about), Windows 10 users will be able to upgrade to 11 using just Windows Update , as if it were just another update. However, if we stay with an earlier version of the operating system, things will be different.
You will have to do a clean installation to go from 7 to Windows 11
Initially, Microsoft gave hints that users who used versions prior to Windows 10, such as 8.1 or 7, would be able to upgrade without much trouble to the new Windows 11. After all, it is a Windows 10 with many cosmetic changes and few internal. However, it seems that in the end it will not be like that.
Some manufacturers, such as Lenovo , have updated the information about the update process for the new Microsoft operating system. In this new information we can see that, indeed, we can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without problems. However, users who have 7 or 8.1, and meet the requirements, will have to do a clean installation or reinstall the system completely to make the jump to 11. And that means losing all data, programs and settings on the PC. Another option that we will have is to go from 7 to Windows 10 first, and from there make the jump to 11. Although the truth is that it is not worth much.
Of course, although it is not yet confirmed, it is believed that the Windows 7 and 8.1 keys will be valid for the new Windows 11. Thus, if we have an original license for the operating system, it will be updated at no cost, just as it was done with Windows. 10.
There will be no compatibility problems with the programs
A fear that has arisen among users and, above all, companies is whether the programs they now use in Windows 7 or Windows 10 will be able to work in Windows 11 or there will be compatibility problems. Luckily, Microsoft has created its new operating system with this in mind.
Except for a few isolated programs, most of the software that works in Windows 7 right now should work without problems in Windows 10. It will even have the aesthetic improvements (such as the round corners) of this new system without having to do anything else. In addition, companies that have Microsoft’s App Assure service will be able to update their programs, free of charge, so that they continue to work in the company’s new system.
For now we can just keep waiting. Microsoft still has in mind to launch Windows 11 towards the end of the year and, as the date approaches, we will be able to learn more details about the process, conditions and much more.
