What happens if windows not activated

The idea was to remove all piracy copy users from the market. But then Microsoft quickly realized that they are better off with letting people use the unactivated windows as long as they use other Windows services. In this way, they can still make money from unlicensed copies of Windows. So starting from Windows 10, Microsoft has been far more generous about the usage of their software. These days, there is very little penalty for not activating windows on your personal computer.

The only feature you are deprived of is the ability to customize options such as the taskbar, accent colors icons, etc. If customization is not important to you, there are virtually no other drawbacks of not activating Windows. Another thing to keep in mind is that an unactivated Windows operating system will always have a permanent watermark on the bottom right of your display telling you to activate Windows. Not only that, but Windows will also consistently remind you that you have not activated the software yet.

This could get very annoying. Thus, if customization is important to you and you dislike being consistently pestered by watermarks and reminders, it is best for you to pay for the activation key and run a genuine version. Now, on installing Windows, your computer will regularly insist you activate it within 30 days. On installing a fresh copy of windows, you will be provided with a 30 days free trial of the windows product you are using. During this 30 days trial period, you will be able to use all the available features without any restrictions.

The entire Windows experience will be available to you. Even if you installed an unauthorized or illegal copy of Windows 10, you will still have the option of buying a product activation key and activating your operating system. Software updates and user interface personalization will also be available to you within the first 30 days of installation. However, if 30 days pass and you still do not activate Windows, all your customizations will go away.

You will be greeted with a very generic version of Windows with the operating system embracing a stock look after undoing all your personalization. A watermark will also appear telling you to activate Windows on your computer. When you try to install the same copy of Windows on more than one machine and then try to activate online or by phone, the activation will fail.

Windows XP was the first Windows operating system to require activation. According to an official document on the Microsoft's support website, "After the 30 days has expired, you must activate Windows to continue using Windows.

Windows Vista's penalty for failure to activate is much harsher that of Windows XP. Under RFM, you can't play any Windows games. Finally, an unactivated Vista will automatically log you out of the system after only one hour of use until you successfully activate it. Unlike Windows XP and Vista, failure to activate Windows 7 leaves you with an annoying, but somewhat usable system. Find threads, tags, and users Comment Show 0. Current Visibility: Visible to all users.

Hi, Installing Windows without a license is not illegal, activating it through other means without an officially purchased product key is illegal. Source: Wikipedia If the reply was helpful please don't forget to accept as answer , thank you Best regards, Leon.

Related Questions. If you cannot stand the watermark mocking you every day, or even if you want to be on the safe side, the way to go is to activate your Windows. All of that will go away when you have an activated copy, along with the uncertainty that Microsoft may take some steps against the inactivated Windows versions. We know that Windows 7 was discontinued by now. Just download Windows 10 from the Microsoft website and install it in your system. If you have already downloaded Windows 10, and it is not active yet, you can activate it by following a few simple steps:.

There, you will find a clickable link for the activation process. You can also purchase a genuine Windows 10 product key through Amazon. Amazon is one of the best online platforms for buying a Windows 10 activation key, as you can get them, generally, for a lower price. If you choose Amazon, make sure you buy it from the official Microsoft on Amazon Account only. This will open the phone activation wizard, just select your country and follow on-screen instructions to proceed with activation.

If you have doubts about how to activate Windows 10 offline we let you know that is not possible anymore.