Before Windows 10, we had slower internet, so images were not posted online. You had to go to your local computer or electronics store and buy a copy of Windows on DVD in a box.
It's interesting that Microsoft doesn't stop Windows 10/11 from working after a certain amount time if you don't activate it. As you said, some apps give you a limited number of days trial and after that trail period won't work until you put the license key in
LTSC and Server editions do time out if left unactivated past the grace period. Microsoft doesn't do that with the regular editions because they care more about the market share and the data.
There are also universal product keys, but they need to be put in every I think 180 days. And it is routed via some other server, not sure what that means. One youtuber covered this recently. I am using one such key and rarely use that Windows OS. I used that key to upgrade the iso installation to a Pro version. I haven't seen anything so far that would nag me to upgrade, probably it hasn't been 180 days yet. I did it around this summer or late spring. Those keys are freely available. I do have a cheap key for Pro though. Just I haven't used it yet. I have that system installed on a gen2 usb key and made a clone if the first one got corrupted for some reason. Not sure how the licence will work on two different keys or different machines I will plug that usb into. I am planning to have Linux as my main system anyway and Win11 only for Teams or similar stuff. Will I need it after I change a job? We'll see LOL.
That's what you call KMS activation. Nowadays it's obsolete outside of business environments. Windows, Server, and Office can be activated for free without it.
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Before Windows 10, we had slower internet, so images were not posted online. You had to go to your local computer or electronics store and buy a copy of Windows on DVD in a box.
It's interesting that Microsoft doesn't stop Windows 10/11 from working after a certain amount time if you don't activate it. As you said, some apps give you a limited number of days trial and after that trail period won't work until you put the license key in
LTSC and Server editions do time out if left unactivated past the grace period. Microsoft doesn't do that with the regular editions because they care more about the market share and the data.
They want your data, and telemetry; so... win / win. Unless you value privacy...
Well it's Free so I'm guessing they are not yet going to offer us to buy/whatever
just install wallpaper engine for desktop personalization
I have never paid for windows 10 or 11 i have installed it on different pc's and they all activated with a digital license no issues.
There are also universal product keys, but they need to be put in every I think 180 days. And it is routed via some other server, not sure what that means. One youtuber covered this recently. I am using one such key and rarely use that Windows OS. I used that key to upgrade the iso installation to a Pro version. I haven't seen anything so far that would nag me to upgrade, probably it hasn't been 180 days yet. I did it around this summer or late spring.
Those keys are freely available.
I do have a cheap key for Pro though. Just I haven't used it yet. I have that system installed on a gen2 usb key and made a clone if the first one got corrupted for some reason. Not sure how the licence will work on two different keys or different machines I will plug that usb into. I am planning to have Linux as my main system anyway and Win11 only for Teams or similar stuff. Will I need it after I change a job? We'll see LOL.
That's what you call KMS activation. Nowadays it's obsolete outside of business environments. Windows, Server, and Office can be activated for free without it.
Just go a new HP laptop. Is there a way I can find my Win11 product key? Thanks. JimE
Active? Activate