Is it necessary to activate Windows 10 or can you use the system without a license key? This question worries many users, because before, in the absence of activation, it was almost impossible to use the operating system.
Microsoft used an unusual method to distribute Windows 10. On the official website, you can download the ISO image from which the installation is performed.
However, if you were not the owner of the licensed version of Windows 7, 8 or 10, then you will not be able to activate the product during installation. Many people ask themselves the question: "Is it necessary to activate it at all, maybe it will do that way?" Let's see what restrictions await the user of an unactivated operating system and whether it needs to be activated to continue working?
Restrictions
So, you install Windows 10, everything goes well and then you are asked to enter a license key. Do not be alarmed, you can skip this step and the installation will proceed further.
The system is installed, and on the desktop, traditionally in the lower right corner, there is an inscription that it is required to activate Windows. Actually, this is the first limitation.
The second limitation is not so obvious. Users of non-activated windows do not have access to personalization settings, that is, they cannot change the theme, wallpaper on the desktop, color scheme and similar trifles.
There are no more restrictions. The functionality is available in full, there will be no crashes to the screen with the requirement to enter the key. You can use the system without denying yourself anything. All settings of devices, programs, Internet connections will be available to you. Moreover, restrictions can be bypassed in absolutely legal ways!
To remove the caption in the corner of the screen, become a member of the Windows Insider program. After receiving your consent to participate, the watermark will disappear.
There are two ways to change the wallpaper. The first is to synchronize the settings with the device on which the activated version of Windows 10 is installed. The second is to use the standard Photos application. It has the function of setting wallpaper to your desktop.
Do I need to activate?
Not necessary. You can use Windows 10 without a license key, without any problems and inconveniences. Considering the rather high cost of this OS, this option looks quite reasonable.
If you use Windows at home, and you are not confused by the little things described above, then you can safely forget about buying a license and be content with a free operating system.
Give credit to Microsoft, it's a really generous gesture on their part. Especially striking is the difference from previous versions of Windows, in which your work could be interrupted or simply paralyzed by pop-up windows requiring activation.
If you still need to purchase a key for Windows 10, go to Settings> Update & Security> Activation and click Go to Store. You will be directed to a page where you can select the edition you want and pay for your purchase.
It is worth noting that if you are going to use Windows 10 on a work computer, then it is better to activate it. This way you will avoid any problems if your software is authenticated.
