What Happens If Windows 10 Is Not Activated

The last toll that is factored in when edifice a PC is the license for Windows 10. Many merely leave it every bit unactivated equally they but don't run into whatever major benefits in having Windows 10 activated. This might have left y'all to wonder what are the disadvantages of non activating Windows 10, and here are all the disadvantages!

Disadvantages Of Non Activating Windows 10

"Activate Windows" Watermark

Past not activating Windows 10, it automatically places a semi-transparent watermark, informing the user to Actuate Windows.

Information technology takes up a good amount of space on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen and can be rather obnoxious, considering that it remains there no thing what tasks or applications y'all're running.

The "Actuate Windows" Watermark In Comparing To A Regular Chrome Tab

Nonetheless, you probably won't even run across it, and the watermark has yet to annoy me to the point where I rather just activate Windows 10, on my other desktop, hence, information technology might take some getting used to, simply all-in-all, information technology won't touch you that much.

Another "Actuate Windows" watermark you'll encounter is inside the settings panel. Upon entering settings in Windows 10, you'll come across a prompt asking you to actuate Windows 10 if it has non been activated.
Unable To Personalize Windows x

Windows 10 allows you full admission to customize & configure all settings even when not activated, except for personalization settings. All the personalization settings require for Windows 10 to be activated before allowing the user to customize them.

Here are the personalization settings in Windows ten that you can't access if you haven't yet activated Windows 10:
- Background – You won't exist able to modify the background and are limited to only the default Windows wallpapers.
  
  Still, you tin can hands piece of work around this by right-clicking on an image file and select "Set as desktop background".
- Colors – Y'all won't be able to change the colors for your applications, windows, taskbar, and more. Windows x instead automatically picks the default color, which is light blue.
- Lock Screen – You can't change the lock screen image, instead, Windows x automatically changes the prototype using what is known every bit Windows spotlight, where they testify y'all images (usually nature images) every bit the lock screen epitome.
  
  But, you tin change your lock screen image by opening up an paradigm file and clicking the 3 dots on the right-hand side, and selecting "set as lock screen".
- Theme – Windows Themes essentially refers to a collection of modifications done to the Windows interface that changes how it looks and feels. In other words, themes let you change the background, colour, sound, cursor & more, but without activating Windows 10, you tin't access this feature.
- Fonts – Fonts are how text, numbers, and characters look on your PC, irresolute the font would be to change how the characters, text, and numbers look. But, without activating Windows x, you can't alter the font, and can but use the default 1.
- Start – The start carte du jour in Windows is the icon on the bottom left-hand corner of your Windows PC. Information technology allows you to view information such equally quick admission to applications and allows yous to turn off your PC, and more.
  
  When Windows 10 is not activated, you lot're unable to configure minor settings within the commencement card, such as showing the most used apps, showing suggestions, and more than. Some of these settings are automatically enabled or disabled, and y'all can only change them with an activated re-create of Windows 10.
- Taskbar – The Windows taskbar is the bar on the bottom that lets you open applications, pin applications, search through your files, and open the Windows start menu.
  
  Without activating Windows ten, you tin can't configure settings for the taskbar, such as unlocking the taskbar, automatically hiding the taskbar in certain modes, using smaller taskbar buttons, and more than. Some other thing to note is that you also can't change the location of the taskbar. However, the default settings and location of the taskbar is good enough for me, and for nigh users.
In summary, basically all personalization settings are locked when Windows 10 is not activated. One of the main reasons that I would suggest activating Windows ten would be to change the colors, and to get rid of the pesky watermark. Besides that, the residuum of the settings either don't have much of an impact or the default configuration they are on, is good enough for well-nigh users.
Just to make it articulate, you can configure and change all other settings, such as the system, device, network settings and more, without activating Windows 10, the only setting that is afflicted is all the settings under personalization, which have been listed above.

Tin can I Apply The Gratuitous Version Of Windows x Forever?

The free version of Windows 10 can be used for free forever. Likewise the few disadvantages that comes with non activating Windows 10, currently, the Windows 10 operating system can be used for free forever, and you volition still receive updates, even if you're on the gratuitous version.

Is It Legal To Apply The Free Version Of Windows 10?

It is completely legal to use the free version of Windows 10, considering that Microsoft has a download page where you lot tin download the latest version of Windows 10 for free.

How Much Does Information technology Cost To Activate Windows 10?

Windows ten Home (Download) – $129
Windows 10 Pro (Download) – $199

Alternatively, you could go to the activation page in your Windows 10 settings, and buy it directly from the Microsoft store.

Yous tin get a Windows x central cheaper by going to a key reseller, but, I recommend yous don't, as it'southward impossible to track where the key came from, and some might have been stolen.

How To Activate Windows ten

Here are the steps to actuate Windows 10:

Go To Settings – You Tin Practise This Past Searching For Settings On Your Taskbar
Click Updates & Security
Become To The Activation Tab
Click Alter Product Key
Enter In Your Production Central and Click Next

Concluding Argument

All-in-all, Windows 10 is a great operating organization, even if y'all're on the free version. That said, if you savor using Windows x, and information technology's features, I advise paying for a license, especially to get rid of the watermark, and to support the people behind it.

Roy Chng

Hello! Currently, I am the only owner and writer of the website. I have a strong passion for tech and hope to spread my noesis and the tiny details that I have picked upwardly over the years. I open up my inbox for anyone who requires boosted assist when it comes to tech; if you're struggling to find a new phone, or if you have problems with your laptop, I might be able to help! I tin be contacted through the contact form or at roy@valorvortech.com