Ever since 2015 Microsoft has allowed computer users to "upgrade" to Windows 10 using the license key from Windows 7 and Windows 8. This allowed many older computer that came from manufacture with Windows 7 to have a new lease on life by legally using a newer operating system. During the late fall of 2023 Microsoft has closed this loop hole.
Today if one takes a Windows 7 computer and installs Windows 10, it will not activate. Even if one types the license key, it will not activate. So where does that leave those of us with older machines hanging around? Well...
YOU CAN CONTINUE TO USE A COMPUTER WITH AN UNACTIVATE COPY OF WINDOWS 10!
The computer will continue operate just fine, it will not one day stop working because of the activation status.
There is some caveats though. Here is a list of them:
-"Activate Windows" watermark shows up on the bottom right corner of the screen, and will be visible no mater what, even if one is watching a video, playing a game, or writing a novel.
-premium features are locked out
-optional updates are not available, but critical updates are
-desktop personalization is restricted: wall paper, taskbar settings, lock screen, themes
https://royalcdkeys.com/blogs/news/unactivated-windows-10-what-are-the-disadvantages
https://softwarekeep.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-don-t-activate-windows-10
