Windows 10 deactivated version

Question

I've been receiving a lot of conflicting answers from various other places where I ask this, so I decided to come straight to microsoft. I'd most prefer somebody official, a staff member, or someone like that answer this. It's about using windows 10 deactivated. On the microsoft site itself, I see the ISO file for the windows 10 disc image here, 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

I've been told using the deactivated version, that is not using a licensed key costing $100 or more, simply adds a watermark in the corner and removes some customization options, but that's it. I've also been told doing this is illegal by some, and that it isn't by others, or that it will fully shut down and become unusable after about a month. I want a final, definitive answer on whether or not I can simply download this to a USB, install it, and boot it legally without buying a key.

Answer 1

Alright. If I were to do this, is it technically illegal, or do they just remove customization and add a watermark? What, if there are any, are the legal repercussions of this? Are there fines, jail, ETC, or just a watermark and no background?

Answer 2

Hello, how are you?

Welcome to the Microsoft Community!

My name is Paloma B., I'm an independent advisor, I'm here to help you in the best possible way.

First I want to wish you happy holidays!

I understand that you would like to know about activating Windows.

Regarding your question, the correct answer is No, you cannot use Windows without proper original activation.

Under the Microsoft licensing terms located here (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail...), you are entitled to use Windows 10 only when you do activation. When installing Windows 10, it is mandatory to accept these license terms, otherwise you will not be able to install the operating system. Once you have accepted the terms during installation, you must necessarily follow them when using the operating system.

Microsoft notes the following regarding activation:

Authorized Software and Activation. You are authorized to use this software only if it is properly licensed and the software has been properly activated with an original Product Key or other authorized method. When you connect to the Internet when using the software, the software will automatically contact Microsoft or its affiliate to conduct the activation and associate it with a particular device. You can also activate the software manually over the Internet or over the phone. In both cases, certain information will be transmitted and Internet, telephone and SMS service charges may apply. During activation (or reactivation that may be triggered by changes to your device's components), the software may determine that the installed instance of the software is counterfeit, incorrectly licensed, or includes unauthorized changes. If activation fails, the software will attempt to repair itself by replacing any counterfeit Microsoft software with the original Microsoft software. You may also receive reminders to obtain an appropriate license for the software. Successful activation does not confirm that the software is genuine or that it has been properly licensed. It is forbidden to circumvent or circumvent activation. To help determine whether your software is genuine and whether you are properly licensed, see (aka.ms/genuine). Certain updates, support and other services may only be offered to users of genuine Microsoft software.

As you can read in the previous information, you must activate Windows 10 to receive dedicated support, updates, etc.

If you do not activate Windows 10 correctly, you may have the following restrictions:

You cannot customize the settings. You can't even change the wallpaper on your desktop.

Windows will often remind you to activate the system.

There is a permanent active Windows watermark in the lower right corner of the desktop.

Some specific features that require activation of Windows will not work.

In the Settings, you will see the message; “Windows is not activated. Activate Windows now. "

In some cases, the desktop will disappear and be replaced with a completely black wallpaper.

Given what has been said it is better to use Windows 10 with activation.

Activated Windows 10 unlocks all the features you have and what you need. Windows 10 activation does not expire and you need to activate it once.

Therefore, I recommend that you purchase only the original license from the official Microsoft Store online or offline or through an authorized reseller and avoid cheap licenses existing on potentially fraudulent sites.

Credits to Nuno F Silva.

I await news.

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