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Originally Posted by Quoth
Win10 download is free, but unless you buy a licence the desktop goes black.
I do have licenced versions of XP (a clone of my 2002 laptop done with Disk2VHD (free MS Tool) https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sy...loads/disk2vhd though instructions aren't accurate. It will even clone installs on EFI bios machines, if Windows was installed in Legacy Bios mode. Also Win7 Ultimate (cloned off a PC) and Win10 pro. All on VMs using the Virtual Box that's part of my Linux distro.
Windows downloads were free years ago from MS when they ceased CDs / DVD for Technet and MSDN. You still need a licence.  |
You may be right, but that's not what multiple sources say on this subject. Maybe licensing is different in the U.S. and Europe?
I read this just about everywhere...
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What happens if you install Windows 10 without a product key?
No, you don't need a product key to install and use Windows 10. However, there are certain concessions you'll need to make. For instance, without activating Windows 10 with a product key, you lose the ability to change the background on your desktop through the Settings app.
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Is it illegal to use Windows 10 without activation?
Installing Windows without a license is not illegal. However, activating the operating system through other means without an officially purchased product key is illegal. If you plan to use Windows 10 at home but don't want to pay, it may be better to use the system without activation.
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What is the difference between Windows 10 with and without product key?
Even if you don't have a product key, you'll still be able to use an unactivated version of Windows 10, although some features may be limited. Inactivated versions of Windows 10 have a watermark in the bottom right saying, “Activate Windows”. You also can't personalize any colors, themes, backgrounds, etc.
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This concept is brand new to me, but this is what I kept finding. Especially in the videos on installing Windows 10 in a virtual machines under Mac OS and Linux. I guess I'll see what happens. On my Dell Latitude laptop and Optiplex Micro desktop, the Windows 10 licensing is built into the BIOS, so they automatically activate Windows when installed.