Windows 7 can be used freely for 120 days

Bengaluru: Microsoft has announced that the new version of Windows can be used for up to 120 days without providing a product activation key.

The software giant said in the Windows Secrets newsletter published on Wednesday gives a step-by-step instructions on using a single-line command to add an additional 90 days to the stock 30-day grace period.

What according to analysts make Windows 7 a revolution is that it is lightweight compared to previous versions and runs faster than the prior ones, thus posing a threat to Linux, which has long been a preferred operating system for rejuvenating older PCs for three reasons.

Although Microsoft generally touts a 30-day time limit for users to activate their copies of the company's operating system, a little-known command designed for corporate administrators can be used by anyone to "reset" the countdown up to three times.