[SOLVED] How long can I run Windows unactivated

[Boris12341]

How long can I run Win 10 unactivated??

 

[gardenman]

Hi, as far as we can determine, there is no time limit. Microsoft could change this anytime they wanted with updates.

Edit: Of course you should purchase a legitimate license and activate it when you can.

 

[USAFRet]

How long can I run Win 10 unactivated??

I have a test of an Unactivated Win 10, installed in a VM, to test exactly this.

Installed Dec 8, 2016. 1,271 days so far.
Runs exactly as Day 1. Gets all updates, etc.

Of course, there is that randomly appearing watermark at bottom right, and MS could easily cut that off at any time.

 

[Boris12341]

I have a test of an Unactivated Win 10, installed in a VM, to test exactly this.

Installed Dec 8, 2016. 1,271 days so far.
Runs exactly as Day 1. Gets all updates, etc.

Of course, there is that randomly appearing watermark at bottom right, and MS could easily cut that off at any time.

Oh so it works just with a watermark?

 

[Boris12341]

Hi, as far as we can determine, there is no time limit. Microsoft could change this anytime they wanted with updates.

Edit: Of course you should purchase a legitimate license and activate it when you can.

Thanks

 

[USAFRet]

Oh so it works just with a watermark?

And no customization of the taskbar or desktop.
That watermark can be pretty annoying.

But...licensed software is no different than the hardware in your system. Pay for what you use.

 

[Boris12341]

And no customization of the taskbar or desktop.
That watermark can be pretty annoying.

But...licensed software is no different than the hardware in your system. Pay for what you use.

I know. Just can’t buy it until September.

 

[Boris12341]

And no customization of the taskbar or desktop.
That watermark can be pretty annoying.

But...licensed software is no different than the hardware in your system. Pay for what you use.

Wait so I can’t add apps to desktop or taskbar??

 

[gardenman]

The watermark only shows up after 2 hours of usage on my system. And I rarely use mine more than 10 minutes at a time.

I know. Just can’t buy it until September.

You should be fine.

 

[Boris12341]

The watermark only shows up after 2 hours of usage on my system. And I rarely use mine more than 10 minutes at a time.


You should be fine.

But is there any other limitations?

 

[USAFRet]

Wait so I can’t add apps to desktop or taskbar??

New installed applications will appear on the desktop, and you can pin thing to the taskbar.

But this:

 

[Boris12341]

New installed applications will appear on the desktop, and you can pin thing to the taskbar.

But this:

That’s not bad at all. So I’m going to use it unactivated until I can get it. Thanks everyone for your help

 

[gardenman]

But is there any other limitations?

This page is a bit dated but might list some of them: https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

I'm not sure if there's any new limitations since 2017 (date that page was created) or not. Probably not.

 

[Boris12341]

This page is a bit dated but might list some of them: https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

I'm not sure if there's any new limitations since 2017 (date that page was created) or not. Probably not.

Ok thanks

 

[jwcrellin]

I got an activation key for win 10 for like $30. I think I got it off urcdkey.com Not sponsored or anything, it just went smooth for me from that site, i've gotten the runaround from similar retailers in the past.