Why is it important to activate your Windows 10 / 11?

This article lists all the disadvantages of not activating Windows 10/11 Pro or Home. Learn what happens if Windows 11/10 is not activated and what limits you will encounter.

 

Leaving Windows unactivated, you may have some limitations and disruptions when using Windows and lose access to the premium features of the Windows operating system. Below we listed some disadvantages of not activating Windows 10/11.

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1. Annoying “Activate Windows” Watermark on Screen

 

Of course that would be first, isn't it annoying?!

That watermark at the lower-right screen saying “Activate Windows. Go to Settings to activate Windows”. This annoying watermark will be there all the time unless you activate Windows 11/10 Pro or Home. Still, you might also periodically get messages asking you to activate your copy of Windows after the 30-day trial which is an additional stress that could be removed easily for as low as $9.99 via activation with a genuine product key for Windows 10/11 Pro/Home from SOFTYKEYS.

 

2. You May Miss Some Important Windows Updates

When Windows 10/11 is not activated, most of the time it only downloads the critical updates for your device. Several important updates like optional updates or security updates may be missed. Your computer could miss the latest downloads, services, apps, or driver updates from Microsoft.

 

If you miss some crucial security updates that contribute to the prevention of viruses or malware, your computer may be easily attacked. You may also miss some bug fixes and patches whose aim is to make your PC run smoothly and therefore you could experience bugs and lags in your operations.

3. No Personalization

Another thing you’re most likely to notice is that the unactivated Windows 10/11 Pro or Home will not allow you to personalize your device the way you like it.

 

This is quite a limitation if you like your computer to be unique and truly your taste. While it is only a cosmetic adjustment, many users are unhappy with not being able to customize various aspects of Windows 10/11 and end up buying a product license key to activate it.

On all pages in the Personalization tab, you'll notice the sentence "You must activate Windows before you may customise your PC." in case your windows remains unactivated.

 

4. Pop-Up Reminders To Activate Windows

 

Imagine you are presenting a business presentation or a school project via this PC with unactivated Windows and in the middle of your presentation you are being interrupted by a pop-up that your Windows OS should be licensed(activated). Users who don’t activate Windows 10 will have to deal with random pop-ups from Microsoft.

And not only, but you could also be watching your favorite TV show or playing a video game, and suddenly, a pop-up appears on the screen. This serves as a reminder that the “free trial” period is ending soon. If you wish to continue using Windows without any limitations, go to Settings and begin the activation process.

 

If you choose to ignore this pop-up, it might return in the future. To completely remove it, your best, easiest, and cheapest way is to obtain a Windows product license key

5. Legal Issues for Organizations and Businesses

In Section 5 of the Software License Terms for Windows states the following: “You are authorized to use this software only if you are properly licensed and the software has been properly activated with a genuine product key or by other authorized method”.

Businesses and organizations often go through audits as well, where it’s necessary to show licensing information.

If your employees don’t have Windows activated, it might get you in trouble with Microsoft.

 

How to Activate Windows 10/11?

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows.

It looks like this:

PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Activate the key through the computer settings.

Without a product key, you won`t be able to activate your device.

Don't have a product key? You can purchase a genuine license key here.