Share this article

Improve this guide

How Long Can You Use Windows 10 Without Activation?

Everything you need to know about using Windows 10 without a key

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Microsoft launchedWindows 10in 2015 with aone-year free upgradeoffer for Win 7users. But now, you need to pay to activate Windows 10 from the start.

So, someusersmight assume that they can no longer freely upgrade from previous Windows platforms toWindows 10.

However,userscan freely download theWindows 10disc image (ISO) file fromMicrosoft’s websitewith the media creation utility.Userscan upgrade toWin 10with that file.

During theWin 10installation,userswill be asked to enter aproduct key. Then they can click I don’t have aproduct keyto install theOSwithout aproduct key.

Userswill have then upgraded to an unactivatedWindows 10. The unactivated version comes with some relatively minor restrictions. For example,userscan’t change desktop wallpapers or themes within the unactivatedWindows 10; and some of the platform’s apps will not work.

Most users have no idea that they can still upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge. Learn how to do that fromthis excellent guide.

Do you need to activate Windows 10?

You can download and install Windows 10 without having an activation key. In fact, you can use the OS forever without having to activate it.

However, you need to activate it to get the best value from it and enjoy its full features.

How long can I run Windows 10 without activation?

Someusersmight then wonder how long they can continue to runWindows 10without activating theOSwith aproduct key.

Userscan utilize an unactivatedWindows 10without any restrictions for one month after installing it. However, that only means the user restrictions come into effect after one month.

Thereafter,userswill see someActivate Windows nownotifications. Windows will send out regular notifications requesting thatusersactivate an unactivated Windows 10.

Furthermore, the Activation tab in Settings will include a notification requesting thatusersactivate theOSwith aproduct key. Theiruserscan clickChangeproduct keyto activateWindows 10or change the product key with another one.

However,userscan leave Windows 10 unactivated. In fact,userscan continue to utilize the unactivatedWin 10with the few restrictions it has. Thus,Windows 10can run indefinitely without activation.

So,userscan utilize the unactivated platform for as long as they wish. Note, however, that Microsoft’s retail agreement only authorizesusersto utilizeWindows 10with a validproduct key.

What happens if you don’t activate Windows 10 after 30 days?

Windows 10 has a trial period of 30 days for which you can use the OS without a product key. During this period, you will have access to all its features and get a feel of what you will get in the full package.

After that trial period, you will still be able to use Windows 10 but now with restrictions. Some features and customizations will not be available to you until you activate the OS.

What happens I use Windows 10 without a product key?

Using Windows 10 without a product key is not such a big deal. You will still be able to use most of the features with the exception of few advanced ones and customizations.

Also, a permanent watermark will be displayed in bottom right corner of your screen to indicate that the OS is not activated.

Disadvantages of not activating Windows 10

Below are are some of the disadvantages of using an unactivated version of Windows 10

How many times can you activate Windows 10?

You only need to activate a Windows 10 PC once. However, if you want toreinstall Windows 10for some reason, you will need to provide the activation key again.

Also, it should be noted that you have the liberty to use an activation key on more than one PC. But, you can’t use it simultaneously.

More and more Windows 7 users areupgrading to Windows 10as Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7 in 2020.

Some are probably purchasing theOSfrom Amazon or Microsoft, but remember that you can also use Windows 10 without a product key.

Instead,userscan freely download theWindows 10ISO to upgrade to a slightly restrictedWin 10without needing aproduct key.

But if you have an activation key from an older OS, check our guide onhow activate Windows 10 with a Windows 7 or 8 key.

Don’t forget to provide us with your feedback on our comments section below.

How Long Can You Use Windows 10 Without Activation?#

Do you need to activate Windows 10?#

How long can I run Windows 10 without activation?#

What happens if you don’t activate Windows 10 after 30 days?#

What happens I use Windows 10 without a product key?#

Disadvantages of not activating Windows 10#

How many times can you activate Windows 10?#