How to activate the trial version of windows 10. What restrictions await us

Recently (in connection with the release of Windows 10), there is an opinion very often on the network: the Windows 10 activation system has changed a lot, activation is now tied to a device and a Microsoft account, and the key is no longer needed. Often links to articles containing this opinion are used as arguments in disputes. Let's try to figure out if this is really the case.

To the question "where does this information come from?" usually they refer to what Gabriel Aul or someone else from Microsoft said something like that. At best, quotes like this are given:

If you’ve previously activated a genuine copy of Windows 10 on your device, you’ll be able to activate Windows 10 Insider Preview builds of the same edition without the need to enter a product key. This will also enable you to re-install the latest public release of Windows 10 without entering a product key if you no longer want Windows Insider Preview on your device.

Now let's move on to the practical part:

In VMware Player, we will create a virtual machine (for Windows 10 x64), deprive it of access to the network (just in case), and install Windows 10 into it.

Myth 1 - Windows 10 installed keyless A: In Windows 10, Microsoft brought back the ability to skip entering a product key during the installation phase (as it was in Windows 7), this is true. However, does the OS install without a key?

In the installed system, open the command prompt (as administrator), and enter the command "slmgr.vbs / dlv":

As you can see, the system already has a key (3V66T), or rather:

• VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T for Pro Edition,
• YTMG3-N6DKC-DKB77-7M9GH-8HVX7 for Home Edition,
• or BT79Q-G7N6G-PGBYW-4YWX6-6F4BT for Home SL.

Myth 2 – Windows 10 can be activate keyless: we have already found out that the key is still in the system. Now let's see what we have there with activation: "Start / Settings / Update and Security / Activation".

Since there is no access to the network, the system prompts us to connect to the Internet for activation, or to activate by phone. Let's see what happens if we remove the key from the system (because, according to the myth, it is not needed) "slmgr.vbs / upk".

Surprisingly many mentions of a seemingly unnecessary product key, and not a single suggestion to activate the system without one. Apparently the "crooked Indians" screwed something up again.

Myth 3 - now activation is tied to a computer, not a key: let's go back to activation by phone (with the 3V66T key installed), select your country, and in the next step we see the following window:

What is this set of nine sequences of numbers? And this is an identifier obtained on the basis of a keychain (installed in the system) and equipment (on which this system is installed). At the time of activation, this identifier is stored on the server, and a response code (suitable only for this identifier) ​​is generated. If you make significant changes to the PC configuration, install the system with the same key on another PC, or change the product key on this one, the identifier will change and will not match the one stored on the server, and activation will not be performed.

Windows used to bind to a device by this mechanism, but it is important to understand that this binding (both before and now) involves a key (without which an identifier will not be generated).

It is worth noting that the "boxed" keys have the right to be transferred to other devices (i.e. you can remove the boxed Windows from one device and install it on another), in this case the server (having recognized the "boxed" key) will save the new identifier and activate system on a new device.

Myth 4 – Windows 10 activation is tied to a Microsoft account: above, we already installed the system and got the opportunity to activate it (by phone) - without a single mention of a Microsoft account. Even if you install the system (with network access), the installer provides the option not to connect to the account:

How a device that has never connected to the Internet (activated by phone), or has never connected to a Microsoft account (using a local one), can bind to an account (which no one created) remains a mystery.

Myth 5 - now there will be no keys at all: will! Both in boxes and sewn into the BIOS of motherboards (devices with Windows 10 preinstalled). The key is the only proof (to the activation server) that you purchased Windows in one way or another.

Well, now a little about what has changed after all.: one single (small) change has nothing to do with activation mechanisms. It's just that everyone who updated their Windows 7/8.1 to 10 (at the time of the update) was activated with the same installation keys (by default), which is why when (clean) reinstalling Windows 10 on the same device, you do not need to enter the key (the installer will substitute the key with which the system is activated).

This "knight's move", however, creates one small problem (for owners of boxed licenses), because according to the Windows 10 license agreement:

b. Standalone software. If the software was purchased as a standalone product (and also if the software was upgraded from a standalone version), you may transfer the software to another device that you own. In addition, you may transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to be bound by the terms of this agreement. You may use an authorized backup copy or the media on which you received the software to transfer the software. Before transferring the software to a new device, you must uninstall it from the previous device. You may not transfer software for the purpose of sharing licenses across multiple devices."

The question of activating Windows has been on the minds of an entire generation for decades. Since the first year of the first commercial version of Windows, the quirky minds of young programmers have come up with ways to bypass the mandatory purchase of a license. And many have done well. But it was a long time ago. But what about the activation of the new Windows 10? Let's see.

Attraction of unprecedented generosity

The incredible happened. Microsoft began to distribute the "ten" in ISO images. Probably, the company's marketers realized that it would be better this way. It makes no sense to release the OS on disks. All the same, the pirates expropriate everything. Now the question of how to activate Windows 10 needs some clarification. The fact is that now it is enough to pay online for using the OS and you will already have an official licensed version of the system. Well, why not charm?

This attraction of unprecedented generosity can only be explained by the fact that the company decided to rip off users more money using a subscription policy. If earlier, having once paid for a product, it was possible to use it until the end of time, now it will not work like that. You will have to regularly renew your subscription, paying the same amount each time. Not a bad strategy.

Yes, the system is distributed free of charge. But it is by no means free to use. The company switched to the principle of subscription. This means that the user only pays for a year of using the OS in a one-time payment. Do you want more? Feel free to pay more. Needless to say, this policy annoys many PC owners. It is not surprising that many of them began to ask themselves the question: “what will happen if you do not activate Windows 10?”. Let's see.

If not activated

Let's say right away that there is nothing wrong with an unactivated "top ten". Gone are the days when Windows scared users with a black desktop and constant reminders to activate the system. Now everything is decorous and civilized. In the lower right corner of the screen, a watermark hangs quietly, notifying that the system is not activated. And that's all. And nothing more. It's even kind of scary. And if that's all, then why should I pay and activate Windows 10 64 bit installed in my PC? I am so good.

Why did Microsoft decide not to seriously limit the performance of an unlicensed system? Nobody knows. Perhaps soon the company will realize its mistake and will do everything so that PC owners cannot use an unregistered version of the OS. So for now, you need to use this wonderful omission of the company.

Limitations of the non-activated version

So what happens if you don't activate Windows 10? It's OK. The functionality of the system is practically not disturbed. The only thing that will be unavailable is system personalization. That is, it will not be possible to change the desktop wallpaper, theme color, icons, etc. Is this critical? Hardly.

In all other respects, we have a fully functional system. Even the Power Shell terminal works. What else does? If there is no difference, then why pay a tidy sum for no one knows what? Many have come to the same conclusion and actively use the system without activation. Now you can even not use any pirate tricks to activate. Yes, Microsoft did a great job.

If no activation

A lot has already been written about how to activate. We will try to present here the official and semi-official ways.

So, the first way. If you are a happy owner of a licensed seventh or eighth version, then it is much easier for you. It is enough to enter from the old version into the top ten, and you will become the owner of a licensed version of the system.

The second way is to simply buy a new license. But it doesn't suit everyone. It's very hard. It is much easier for our person to drive into the search engine line “windows 10 rus activated” and download the desired object from the torrent. So much more convenient. That's just assemblies from a torrent do not always behave adequately. Therefore, one must be careful here.

Using Activators

The use of all kinds of OS activators is highly discouraged. First, it's illegal. Secondly, along with these activators, you can pick up a very unpleasant virus. Then you no longer have to think about what will happen if you do not activate Windows 10. You will simply have to “demolish” the system, clean the computer from viruses and install a fresh OS.

At the moment, the most popular and secure activator is KMS. Although its antiviruses define it as potentially dangerous software, it does not cause any harm to the system. In addition, he can activate not only Windows, but also Microsoft Office. Nowadays, KMS is the most adequate activator for the OS and not only.

Conclusion

Let's summarize. Now we know what will happen if you do not activate Windows 10. Nothing terrible will happen. The functionality of the system is not affected in any way. A watermark in the corner of the screen and the inability to change the wallpaper is not so critical. So it's not worth it to run to buy a license. It is quite possible to work on a computer with a non-activated system. And personalization of the OS is not necessary at all.

Windows 10 - a popular operating system from Microsoft - after installation requires the user to activate it, and it is rather complicated and multi-step compared to most proprietary programs. In particular, you can go through the activation through a phone call. Let's see how to do it.

How to find the activation key

First of all, to activate the system, we need an activation key. As a rule, it is written on the back side of the disk with the system or sent to you in an email during installation. If you do not know it, it is recommended to use a simple program that analyzes the system and issues a key “embedded” into it to the user - for example, using the ShowKeyPlus utility. How to use it? Nothing complicated! Just run - and the utility itself will find all the data you need. ShowKeyPlus is free and open source. You can download it.

However, since the system is not activated, it means that you may not have a key at all. In this case, you must first obtain it from Microsoft and only then proceed with activation.

Video: where to find the key

Windows 10 activation by phone - step by step instructions

After you have learned the key, you can proceed to the main part of the work - activation. This requires you to have a phone, console, administrator rights and, preferably, a piece of paper with a pen in order to successfully record the number dictated by the robot.

1. First you need to go to the console. This is done in several different ways: you can click "Run" (Win + R) and enter cmd in the window that opens, you can right-click on the "Start" button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu that opens.
2. In the console, type slmgr.vbs /upk. Thus, we will delete the old key. After that, you need to drive the command slmgr.vbs / ipk<ваш ключ>, and enter the key without spaces, through hyphens, as it was displayed initially. To activate the system in the standard way, you can enter slmgr.vbs /ato. But this is not our case, and another command will be needed to activate via phone.
3. A message about the successful installation of the key into the system will appear. Now you can move on to the next step: on the same command line, you need to type the command slui 4. It will open the phone activation menu. In the menu that appears, you need to specify the country in which you live, and after that a window will appear with the data necessary for activation.
4. All that's left is to make a phone call. To a free number. Don’t worry: you don’t have to communicate with people, the robot performs the activation, and all you have to do is press the buttons according to the given script:
   • press 1 if you are a private person;
   • press 1 if you want to activate Windows 10;
   • during the briefing, you can press # if you do not want to listen to it;
   • enter the first block of numbers from the activation window; then the second; then a third, and so on;
   • if everything went well, the robot will report that the data has been received.
5. The robot will begin to dictate the numbers of the confirmation code. If you type slower than you write, then this is where a piece of paper with a pen comes in handy. Carefully fix the code with you and enter it in the appropriate field in the activation window (it is called "Enter the confirmation code ...").
6. "Ready!" - the system will happily report. Everything, Windows 10 is activated, and you can do whatever you want with it.

Is this method safe

In short, yes, it is safe. No more dangerous than any other type of activation. Of course, it is advisable to follow simple safety precautions: do not show anyone the key or confirmation code, do not activate in crowded places, do not record calls or delete the entry immediately after activation. But objectively the worst thing that can happen is that your activation code will be leaked to the Internet and will be used to activate pirated versions of the system. With prolonged use, this is fraught with code blocking and the need to re-obtain it - the procedure is not the easiest. But it is impossible to get any access to personal data or files on the computer through the activation code.

Announcing Windows 10, the developers assured users that they would receive a new system for free, provided that a licensed version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 was previously installed on their computers. To keep the old license key, it was enough to upgrade the system to a clean installation. However, in practice, activating Windows 10 has raised many questions.

General information

In the article on how to install Windows 10 from a flash drive, we considered several behaviors when prompted for an activation key during system installation. Recall the main points:

The surest way to clean install Windows 10 is by performing a pre-upgrade.

You have a licensed version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 installed on your computer. You must first upgrade the system to "tens", and no activation key is needed. Then, when the update is completed, and you make sure that the new system is activated, you can create a bootable USB flash drive and perform a clean installation with partition formatting.

During installation, you must skip the activation key prompt. After installation, Windows 10 will automatically connect to Microsoft servers (Internet connection required) and activate using the key from your old system. So everything looks in theory and usually turns out in practice. However, many users are faced with the fact that after performing the above steps, the system does not activate, and the following message appears on the screen:

What to do about it and how to activate Windows 10 if this procedure was not performed automatically? Let's see possible ways to manually activate the system.

Manual activation

If you purchased a computer or laptop with a pre-installed system, then you may not have an activation key. The question arises, how to find out if automatic activation after a clean installation did not occur? You can do this with the help of several small utilities that are distributed for free:

• AIDA64 (there is a 30-day trial period).
• RWEverything etc.

The same operation can be performed using a PowerShell command, but it is much easier to use one of the above programs.

Key change

So you know the product key. First of all, try entering it through the Windows 10 settings.

Wait for the results of the key verification. If an error occurs, go to the next method.

Command line

Let's try to manually remove the inappropriate key and enter a new one. To do this, we use a number of commands:

If the key is accepted but the system still does not activate, try this operation over the phone.

Phone activation

To activate the system by phone, you must first look at the number:

1. At the command prompt, type "slui 4" and press Enter.
2. Please indicate the country you are in.
3. Call one of the indicated numbers (8-800-200-8002 for Russian regions).
4. Listen carefully to the message of the voice assistant.
5. Gently enter the setup code on your phone.
6. Enter the confirmation code you received.

If the installation code you provided does not match, you will be connected to an operator who can help you resolve the activation issue.

Important: All the steps above are official Microsoft recommendations, collected on the technical support forum.

If none of the described methods helped you, contact technical support yourself and describe the problem in as much detail as possible. Be sure to indicate how you installed Windows 10, whether the previous operating system was licensed, and whether the motherboard was replaced in the computer. This is important in determining the cause of the problem.

If you do not know how to activate Windows 10 for free, then this article will help you understand this issue. You do not have to download an activated Windows 10, any clean copy of the system will do.

How to activate clean Windows 10

Remove the inscription activate Windows 10

For those who do not want to upgrade from Windows 7, and are already tired of intrusive update advertisements, we recommend that you find out, it's a little more complicated than updating and activating Windows 10. It's good that there are times when you had to get somewhere, or even break the system, left in the past and now the activation process is a matter of a few minutes.

• Useful programs for Windows 10