7 things that can happen if you do not activate Windows 10

If you do not activate Windows on your computer, you can access it as long as you want. In other words, you will not be prevented from using Windows 10 even if you choose not to activate it.

However, there are restrictions if you do not activate Windows.

Millions of users have upgraded since their predecessors, but not all have a valid activation key, serial number or digital licence.

Learn more in this article!

How long can you use Windows 10 without activation?

It won't be pretty and definitely not perfect, but you can actually use Windows 10 forever without activating it. Microsoft allows users to download, install and use the operating system indefinitely without having to enter a valid product key or digital licence.

In addition, a non-activated Windows 10 can be used without restrictions for one month after the initial installation. This means that your system behaves as if it were activated for 30 days. After this period, the restrictions come into effect.

Windows 10 limitations when not activated

The limitations and restrictions that come with not activating Windows 10 may change your perspective on running without activation. Since this version is not free, Microsoft has put some important functions behind the paid version of the system.

1. No personalisation

The first thing you will probably notice is that an unactivated Windows 10 will not allow you to customise your device.

Here you can find out what you cannot do in the non-activated version of Windows 10:

Changing the desktop wallpaper. Users without an activated instance cannot customise the background of Windows 10. After the one-month free period, the background is reset to the default settings or replaced with a black screen.

Customise the colours. If you do not activate Windows 10, you cannot select a different colour palette for your system. Customise the lock screen: Do you want to set a lock screen background when you move away from the keyboard? You need to activate Windows 10 for this as well. Users without an activated system cannot change the default lock screen.

If you are using an unlicensed version of Windows 10, the message "Windows is not activated" is displayed. The warning "Activate Windows now" also appears on the start page of the Settings app.

On each page of the Personalisation tab you will see the statement "You must activate Windows before you can personalise your PC".

2. restricted Windows 10 updates

Windows updates will continue to be downloaded and installed on your device even if your Windows 10 is not activated. However, you may not have access to many intermediate or optional updates that are made available to regular users.

A plus point is that you can get all important Windows 10 updates for free.

3. activate the "Windows" watermark.

Every Windows 10 installation that has not been activated has the "Activate Windows" watermark embedded in the lower right corner of the screen. This watermark appears over every window that is opened, even in full screen mode.

If you are using Windows 10 without a licence, the text "Activate Windows" and the message "Go to Settings to activate Windows" will be displayed in the lower right corner.

Although the annoying text can be removed with a few tricks, you cannot really install Windows 10 legally without a product key or original licence.

4. no access to the Windows Insider Builds

Windows Insider is a programme that gives users access to early updates and development builds of Windows 10.

Microsoft uses the insiders' data and user feedback to improve the updates before releasing them to the general public. However, you can only sign up if you have an activated Windows 10.

If you want to have access to the latest version of Windows 10, you need to purchase a licence. Fortunately, Licendi can help.

5. pop-up reminders to activate Windows

Users who do not install Windows 10 have to deal with random pop-ups from Microsoft. Imagine the following: You are watching a movie or playing a video game and suddenly a pop-up appears on your screen.

Quite annoying, isn't it?

During the first month of using Windows 10, the pop-up message reminds users that their Windows licence is about to expire.

This serves as a reminder that the "free trial period" will soon be over. If you want to continue using Windows 10 without restrictions, go to Settings and start the activation process.

If you choose to ignore this pop-up, it may reappear in the future. To remove it completely, it is best to purchase a Windows 10 product key or digital licence.

6. legal issues for organisations and companies

Section 5 of the Windows 10 Software Licence Terms states: "You are only entitled to use this software if you have the appropriate licence and the software has been properly installed with an original product key or by another authorised method".

Companies and organisations are also often subject to audits where licence information must be displayed.

How can I activate Windows 10?

You are entitled to the free upgrade to Windows 10. Although the promotional period for the free upgrade only ran until July 2016, you can still get the free version.
Final considerations

We hope you found the information you were looking for. Now you can make a better financial decision whether to buy the system or continue using it in restricted mode. If you decide to buy, buy from us.

Do you have any questions?

Our support team will help you 24/7.

Write us a comment or give us a call.

Greetings,

Your Licendi team.