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How long can I use Windows 10 without activation?


It would seem that there should be web resources to quickly find an answer to this question but I couldn't find any, so I'm trying my luck here.


I used the Win10 Media Creation Tool to download Win10 Pro ISO's and set up VM's I use for testing before deploying to bare metal. Once I deploy, I do so with a digital license or product key but it obviously doesn't make any sense activating while in the (temporary) VM.


Now I noticed that my VM still works, and it's been many weeks since I first used it. It's not activated, of course, but I can still log in and install software and so on.


Up until now, I always created a new VM installation from scratch when I needed to do testing. It would naturally save me some time if I could just install it once and then clone when I need a new environment (that will eventually be licensed). I thought that's not possible due to some time restraints so I didn't even try it.


Hence my questions:



  • Is there an official "evaluation period" for Windows 10, and how long is it?

  • How long can one use (from a technical perspective only) a not activated copy of Windows 10?

  • Which limitations are there for a not activated copy and when do they step into effect? I was, for example, not able to confirm that personalization is not possible as seems to have been the case with a not-activated Windows 8. (See comment on answer below.)



Answer




Is there an official "evaluation period" for Windows 10, and how long is it?



There isn't really a proper evaluation period by default on a standard copy, especially since it is free if you have a regular copy and the vast majority of machines compatible are eligible. So, you either have a proper legal copy that is not activated, or, you can download a 90 day trial of Windows Enterprise direct from Microsoft.



How long can one use (from a technical perspective only) a not activated copy of Windows 10?



There is no limitation.



Which limitations are there for a not activated copy and when do they step into effect? I was, for example, not able to confirm that personalization is not possible as seems to have been the case with a not-activated Windows 8.



You get a watermark in the bottom right hand corner of the screen and you can't utilise Microsoft account services such as syncing settings between devices. Other than that, it pretty much works as expected.


My Experience:


Since I changed my motherboard a while ago, I have had an "unlicensed" copy which I haven't been able to reactive. I have to say, other than the watermark, I wouldn't really know that this was the case.


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