Topic “
Can You Use Windows 10 Unactivated? “
If you have ever built a PC or reinstalled Windows, you might have come across the question of whether you can use Windows 10 unactivated. The answer is yes, you can use Windows 10 without activating it, but it comes with some limitations. In this article, we will explore what it means to use Windows 10 unactivated, the differences between activated and unactivated Windows 10, and whether it is legal to use an unactivated copy of Windows 10.
Understanding Unactivated Windows 10
When you install Windows 10, you have a grace period of 30 days to activate it with a valid license key. If you do not activate it within this period, you will start seeing a watermark on the desktop that says “Activate Windows.” You will also see a notification in the settings app reminding you to activate Windows. However, you can continue using Windows 10 unactivated beyond the 30-day grace period.
Differences between Activated and Unactivated Windows 10
Using Windows 10 unactivated comes with some limitations. Some of these limitations include:
Personalization Settings
One of the most significant limitations of using Windows 10 unactivated is that you cannot personalize your desktop. This means that you cannot change the desktop background, lock screen, taskbar, and accent colors. You will also not be able to customize the start menu or taskbar icons.
Watermark and Notifications
When you use Windows 10 unactivated, you will see a watermark on the bottom right corner of the desktop that says “Activate Windows.” You will also receive notifications in the settings app reminding you to activate Windows.
Windows Update
You can still receive critical updates and security patches on an unactivated copy of Windows 10. However, you will not be able to access non-security updates, such as feature updates or driver updates.
Limited Functionality
Some features of Windows 10 will not work on an unactivated copy. For instance, you will not be able to use the personal assistant Cortana, and some apps, such as Microsoft Office, might not work correctly.
Is it Legal to Use an Unactivated Copy of Windows 10?
Using an unactivated copy of Windows 10 is not illegal. However, it is against Microsoft’s terms of service. Microsoft requires users to activate their copy of Windows 10 with a valid license key. Failure to activate your copy of Windows 10 with a license key is a violation of the terms of service.
Reasons to Activate Windows 10
Although you can use Windows 10 unactivated, it is advisable to activate it with a valid license key. Some of the reasons to activate Windows 10 include:
Full Functionality
Activating Windows 10 will give you access to all the features of the operating system. You will be able to personalize your desktop, use Cortana, and receive all updates, including feature updates and driver updates.
No Watermark or Notifications
Activating Windows 10 will remove the “Activate Windows” watermark and notifications from the settings app.
Legal Compliance
Activating Windows 10 with a valid license key is the right thing to do. It ensures that you are in compliance with Microsoft’s terms of service and avoid any legal issues that might arise from using an unactivated copy.
Conclusion
In summary, you can use Windows 10 unactivated, but it comes with some limitations. You will not be able to personalize your desktop, and you will see a watermark and notifications reminding you to activate Windows. Although using an unactivated copy of Windows 10 is not illegal, it is against Microsoft’s terms of service. It is advisable to activate Windows 10 with a valid license