I have colleagues who have used non-activated versions of Windows for years without Microsoft ever shutting it down. If you don't have a valid key, you can still use Windows 10 for free on your PC even if you don’t activate the OS. However, that seems to be happening less in recent months and years. In that case, you’ll have to call a number and go through the process of entering your key and getting a code. When using an older Windows key to activate Windows 10, you may run into complications if Microsoft isn't sure whether you're eligible to update or not. (Yes, this still works, as a Microsoft rep has confirmed.)ĭownsides of Upgrading From Windows 7 or 8 If you’re looking for Windows 10 Home, or even Windows 10 Pro, it’s possible to get Windows 10 for free onto your PC if you have Windows 7, which has reached EoL, or later. Upgrade From Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10: Free There's a chance your key won't work, and you'll have to contact support to get it fixed Some third parties have bad customer service Some third parties don't offer refunds You have to be enrolled in an eligible school There’s a small chance Microsoft will reject activation, and you’ll have to contact supportĭesktop watermark Personalization options restricted Can't use Microsoft support Home: $139 (£119.99 / AU$225) Pro: $199.99 (£219.99 / AU$339) Workstation: $309 (£339 / AU$525)Īccess to all personalization options Microsoft support access FreeĪccess to all personalization options Microsoft support access Equivalent to Windows 10 Enterprise FreeĪccess to all personalization options Microsoft support accessĪccess to all personalization options Microsoft support access Refunds

But what, if anything, are you missing out on if you don’t activate Windows 10? And does your carefully crafted PC build face any risks? There’s also the option of downloading Windows 10 without a key and never activating the OS.

Of course, you can buy a key from Microsoft online, but there are other websites selling Windows 10 keys for less. There are many ways to get a Windows 10 activation / product key, and they range in price from completely free to $309, depending on which flavor of Windows 10 you want. You can skip it, but eventually, Windows will start alerting you that your install isn't activated. During installation, Microsoft asks for an activation key. Once that's done, you can boot from your installation media and load Windows 10 onto your PC.

Whether you've paid for Windows 10 already or not, anyone is allowed to download a Windows 10 ISO file and burn it to a DVD or create installation media on a USB drive for free. Getting hold of the Windows installer is as easy as visiting.

Risk 2 activation code