WINDOWS 10 LEGAL WITHOUT ACTIVATION?


if i download ISO from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO then i install it in my PC without activation, it is legal?
No. Every Windows installation requires a license. The ISO will install and work properly for 60 days, but then features will stop working and your PC will reboot at random times until you enter a legitimate product key.
Brian

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Hi Dedi. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP here to help you.

It's legal to install Windows 10 before you activate it, but you'll not be able to personalize it or access some other features.

Make sure if you buy a Product Key to get it from a major retailer who backs their sales or Microsoft as any really cheap keys are almost always bogus. Here's how to buy one from Microsoft: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
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Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020

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Hi ,

I'm a newly qualified Independent Advisor.

While installing Windows without a license is not illegal, activating it thru other means without an officially purchased product key is illegal.

As for how Long Can You Use Windows 10 Without Activation?
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How long can you use Windows 10 without activation?
Well, we cannot say for how many days one can use Windows 10 without activation as Windows 10 seems to work without activation for years.

Since inactivated Windows 10 install doesn’t stop working or booting up after x number of days, it’s hard to tell how long one can use Windows 10 without activation. That said, if you would like to run Windows 10 without any annoying messages and want to have access to all its settings, you need to activate Windows 10 from day one only.

What happens when you run Windows 10 without activation?
Windows 10 displays “Activate Windows. Go to settings to activate Windows” watermark at the lower right corner of the desktop when running Windows 10 without activation.

When you are running an unlicensed copy of Windows 10, you will get “Windows isn’t activated. Activate Windows now” message at the home page of the Settings app. You will get “You need to activate Windows before you can personalize your PC” message on all pages under the Personalization category.

how long can you use Windows 10 without activation pic1

When it comes to functionality, you won’t be able to personalize the desktop background, window title bar, taskbar, and Start color, change the theme, customize Start, taskbar, and lock screen. However, you can set a new desktop background from the File Explorer without activating Windows 10.

how long can you use Windows 10 without activation pic3

The Settings > Update & Security > Activation page also displays the “Windows is not activated” message if your Windows 10 is not activated.

Additionally, you might periodically get messages asking to activate your copy of Windows 10. This might annoy you as the message might show up in the middle of your work.

The biggest issue with an unlicensed copy of Windows 10 probably is not being able to personalize Windows 10. All other features will work just like on a licensed copy of Windows 10. So being not able to personalize and that nagging watermark are the main (only?) issues when using Windows 10 without activation.
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Read the article linked belowfor more details.
https://www.intowindows.com/how-long-can-you-us...

Hope this answers your question.

Regards,
Lee

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if i download ISO from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO then i install it in my PC without activation, it is legal?

Hello,

No, you must activate Windows before you use. Read complete explanation here:

https://www.kapilarya.com/faq-can-i-use-windows-10-without-activation

Hope this answers your query!

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

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Microsoft MVP (Windows IT Pro), since 2014 · Windows Insider MVP, since 2016 · Windows Help (www.kapilarya.com)

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Last updated May 16, 2024 Views 106,929 Applies to: