![Time Capsule Trick: The Use of Windows 7 Key for Activating 11](https://thmb.techidaily.com/a74c765fb6818efdc56bfc7805aa17daf214ba70cf5906bbca11c158a428c514.jpg)
Time Capsule Trick: The Use of Windows 7 Key for Activating 11
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Time Capsule Trick: The Use of Windows 7 Key for Activating 11
When installing Windows 11 on a new computer, rather than upgrading from Windows 10, you will need a valid product activation key. You could buy a new key for Windows 11, but you might already have one you can use.
Although you can’t upgrade directly from 7 to 11, you can use a Windows 7 key to activate Windows 11. Here’s how.
Why Use a Windows 7 to Activate Windows 11?
There are a couple of reasons why using a Windows 7 key to activate Windows 11 makes sense. The first one is that if you’re a long-time Windows user, you might already have one. You could have a perfectly usable key sitting forgotten on an old PC, saving you time and effort.
You can reuse Windows activation keys on a different computer as long as it isn’t a key for anOEM version . OEM software is generally tied to the hardware it comes with.
But even if you don’t already have an old Windows 7 key to hand, buying a new one will almost certainly be cheaper than buying a Windows 11 key. You should be able to find one for a couple of dollars.
Activating Windows 11 With a Windows 7 Key
Activating Windows 11 with a Windows 7 key is done in two stages. There is an important step to complete during the software installation, with the activation completed afterward. Here’s the process.
- Create Windows 11 Bootable Media using theMicrosoft Media Creation Tool . If you prefer, you can alsoWindows 11 bootable USB drive .
- Follow the Windows installation process until you reach the point where you’re asked to enter the activation key.
- Instead of entering the key, click theI don’t have a product key option at the bottom. Adding your Windows 7 key here can cause errors.
- Continue installing Windows 11, and when it is complete, connect to the Internet.
- OpenSettings > System > Activation , and expand theUpgrade your edition of Windows section.
- ClickChange product key and enter your Windows 7 key when prompted. Windows 11 should be activated a few moments later.
Remember to Match Windows Versions
We have already covered not being able to reuse an OEM key. The other thing to remember is that you need to match versions when using a Windows 7 key to activate Windows 11. For example, you can’t activateWindows 11 Pro with a Windows 7 Home key.
Upgrade to Windows 11 With a Windows 7 Key
Although Microsoft states that you can’t upgrade directly from Windows 7 to Windows 11, it isn’t made clear that you can use an old key to activate it. Windows 11 keys aren’t hugely expensive, but why pay more than you have to when installing Windows 11 on a new computer?
Also read:
- [New] Four Pioneering Methods to Record Teaching Sessions on Apple Devices for 2024
- [New] In 2024, Free Video Chat Alternatives for Windows/Mac OS Users
- [New] Unlocking Online Income The Creator’s Path to Prosperity
- [New] Updated Analysis of Sony BDP-S6700
- [Updated] 2024 Approved Streamline Your Media - Convert FB Videos to MP4 HD/1080P for Free
- [Updated] Instant Subscription Monitoring Tools
- [Updated] The Essential Guide for Adding Depth & Style in Instagram Stories
- [Updated] Unleashing Video Potential Steps to Become a Staff Pick Favorite
- 2024 Approved Mastering the Art of Modern 360 Camera Purchases (2Enas)
- 2024 Approved Perfect Your iPhone’s Selfie Experience The 10 Finest Free Apps
- 2024 Approved Top Content Pioneers Assembly
- 5 Prized Mac-Compatible Live Streamers
- Avoid Automated Errors: The Pitfalls of Using Chatbots to Generate Windows 11 Activation Keys
- Boost User Engagement Analysis Using Our Cookiebot Platform
- Boost Your Video Skills Using Adobe Connect for Editing Techniques
- Comprehensive Guide to Downloading Intel's Official Network Drivers for Windows Platforms
- Drive Dynamics: Streamlining Storage Space in Win11
- Easily Reactivate Printing Services
- Easily Switch Your Windows 11 Logon Technique: Ditch PIN, Embrace Password
- Easing Excessive Load Alert for GPT Window Use
- Effective Strategies for Cleansing Steam DNS Cache
- Efficient Playback of Laggard Videos
- Efficient Strategies to Address DirectDraw Errors in Newer Windows Editions
- Efficiently Altering Windows Account Pin Code
- Effortless Workstation Toggling with Advanced RDP Windows
- Elevate Internet Safety in Windows 11: Trusted Site Listing
- Elevate Performance: Top Tools to Tune Up Windows PCs
- Elevate to the Top with These Key Windows 11 Widgets
- Elevate Window Management: Crafting Unique Snapping Patterns
- Elevate Your Workflow with God Mode Add-On
- Elevating Workflow on Windows 11 for Professionals
- Eliminate Hyper-V BSOD: Steps to Restore Windows
- Eliminating Window's 11 Taskbar Chat: Implications Unveiled
- Embark on Cross-Platform Development via Windows Subsystem
- Embrace the Best of Both Worlds: Windows 11, MacOS in Parallels
- Embracing Convenience: Using Google's Nearby Share
- Empowering Windows 11: Android Phone Webcam Utilization
- Emulate macOS Style: 5 Methods to Revamp Windows
- Enable SD Card View in File Explorer Puzzle Solved
- Enabling Application Guard Printing for Windows 11 Users
- Enabling Smooth Remote Play via Windows Steam
- Enhance PC Gaming with Streamlined DirectX Maintenance
- Enhancing Mouse Cursor Prominence in Windows OS
- Enhancing Performance: Win11 Boot Routines
- Enhancing Photos: Step-by-Step Background Elimination
- Enhancing qBittorrent Performance After a Halt
- Enriching Folder Management: Custom Move and Copy Commands in Windows
- Error 2E Prevention, Ensure Windows Update Works
- Essential 6 Tools: GPU Load Check in Windows Environment
- How to Fix when Apple Account Locked From Apple iPhone 12 Pro?
- In 2024, Future's Echo Top 30 Metaverse Sentiments [AR/VR]
- In 2024, How to Intercept Text Messages on Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Dr.fone
- In 2024, The 6 Best SIM Unlock Services That Actually Work On Your Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ 5G Device
- Process of Screen Sharing Samsung Galaxy M14 4G to PC- Detailed Steps | Dr.fone
- Quick Fixes for Why Is My Motorola Moto G73 5G Black and White | Dr.fone
- Step-by-Step Tutorial How To Bypass Lava Yuva 2 FRP
- Streamlined Connection Solutions: Joining Your Laptop and HP Printer
- Tasteful Harmonies for Streaming Media Artistry
- Ultimate Budget Breakdown How Much Does It Cost To Start a Podcast?
- Title: Time Capsule Trick: The Use of Windows 7 Key for Activating 11
- Author: Joseph
- Created at : 2024-08-08 06:14:02
- Updated at : 2024-08-09 06:14:02
- Link: https://windows11.techidaily.com/time-capsule-trick-the-use-of-windows-7-key-for-activating-11/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.