What happens if you never activate Windows 10?

Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What happens if you never activate Windows 10?
A.Nothing.Except some Cosmetic Limitations and windows activation watermark, you have nothing to worry about.
You’ll see the “activate Windows 10” watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen, plus a message in Settings letting you know that Windows isn’t activated. Additionally, you can’t use any of the items in the Personalization category of Settings. This prevents you from changing the wallpaper, color, Taskbar, and similar settings. All other features will work just like on a licensed copy of Windows 10.
Q.How long can you run Windows 10 without activating?
A.As long as you want, there is no time limit. The only thing you will see is a message on the lower right hand corner which states, Windows is not activated. That's it. You can buy a license for the version of Windows 10 that you have an activate it anytime.
Q.What is the difference between using the activated and unactivated versions of Windows 10?
A.There really isn’t much difference. You get a slightly annoying “Activate Windows” watermark on your primary monitor. The only other thing is that you can’t change the settings in personalization. Other than that, no difference at all. It’s extremely worth it to get Windows for free.
Q.Does the unactivated Windows 10 user still get all the latest updates?
A.Yes, you'll still receive all Windows Updates on non-activated Windows 10 and everything else is completely functional. The only thing that could change this is a Windows 10 update, but Microsoft has become increasingly lenient since Windows 7.
Q.Can i use Microsoft Store on unactivated windows 10?
A.Yes, you can use microsoft store on unactivated Windows 10.
Q.Can i use Microsoft Office on unactivated windows 10?
A.Yes, you can use ms office on unactivated Windows 10. Unactivated Windows 10 makes no difference. Assuming that what you buy is an actual valid Office suite, it will work.
Q.Can i use Microsoft OneDrive on unactivated windows 10?
A.Yes, you can use Microsoft OneDrive on unactivated windows 10. It is available for free to all the owners of a Microsoft account.
Q.Can i play games on unactivated windows 10?
Yes, you can play games on unactivated Windows 10, you can run all games normally and get full system performance without any limitations. There’s no link of Windows Activation and game performance of your system.
Q.Does the Activate Windows Watermark show up in games?
A.While playing games, you’ll notice a watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen.This watermark appears and disappears randomly.
Q.Does not activating Windows 10 affect performance?
A.Nope, there’s no link of Windows Activation and performance of your system.
Q.Will i still be able to install and run third-party software on unactivated windows 10?
A.Yes you can install whatever software’s you want without any issue.
Q.Some people claim that windows 10 will shut down or restart on his own, is that true ? My license expires and i want to know what happens after, can i still use it ?
A.No, it is not true. You can keep using Windows 10 if you don't have a license. Your license never expires once you pay for it. If you aren't using Windows 10 for business or commercial purposes, you can use your Windows without it being activated. However, if you are a business, or a for profit corporation, and you are using Windows. It is a violation, and you can be fined.
Windows 10 works even without activation, but we will never recommend it. While it may get updates presently, Microsoft can anytime decide to either block or delay them. In that case, it will not be safe to use it.
I strongly recommend you activate your copy of Windows 10 right away by buying a legit/genuine copy of Windows 10 either from Microsoft Store online or from a retail shop.

[Danielkarlsson]

You can actually change the wallpaper by opening the .png > the three dots > use as > use as wallpaper.

[levilima]

Thank you for posting this video. It has solved many of my concerns regarding using Windows without a license key for a while (so I can get the money to buy it). Thank you once again.

[Dabs_Rulez]

You can still change background by choosing a picture and right click it and press set as desktop background.

[BrockMak]

My trick that I discovered when I mucked up my new PC: Cross-sync my profile from my other activated computer, changed the background colour and all else on the other computer, then when I sync those setting back, it gets the dark theme and everything else.

[SuperstudentAcademy]

thank you for this.. i have been worried for a long time due to my windows not being activated

[essey]

how come, when I click "Activation" in setting... I dont. see anything, I only see. blank... Theres no button for " change the product key". What are the possible reasons.

[bluebirdsigma]

So, windows has adopted the Winrar business model: piracy as publicity

[triple]

Thank you i have anxiety so this helped me alot to calm down bc it isn't very important. I'll get a key soon.

[imnxiety]

My product key says that its activate but its organization and I can't up to date my windows it always says need quality fixes and missing security. Is it the activation of product key the cause all of this?

[rjofjob]

Bro thank you so much i thought my pc will crash or something bad will happen u deserve more subscribers

[dzevll]

I have windows 10 pro but I reset all my computer can I get it back ?

[ctbruh]

Thanks my parts are coming I don’t have money right now to get a key for Windows but I will eventually thanks again 😁

[kashzz]

Can I use a wallpaper engine to use wallpapers

[MadeInKurdistan]

Is non activated windows use more cpu or gpu!!?

[Jerepaukan]

Id you have your Windows 7 key you can still activate windows 10 with it

[xiwmdeh]

I spoofed my pc for no reasen and i camt activate windows but now i dont have to worry that my pcwas giong to windows 7

[gggthereal]

Thanks bro!
Btw will it change my wallpaper if i dont activate or will my wallpaper stay and i will have to use the wallpaper that i make until i activate and if i download Windows 10 home myself to a freedos pc will i have to activate after free trial
(ik my English is bad my first language isn't english)

[farhatjahanmallik]

Can i play games whitout activating windows 10 please say guys 😔

[juanrobertolinganay]

Will im able to use microsoft teams and microsoft word 2010 even withouth it activated for years?

[ChayaKhiev]

My laptop suddenly became slow since my trial thingy or whatever deactivated