If you don’t activate windows 10 within 30 days of installation, Microsoft may delete programs and files from your computer. That includes apps and games that you bought from the Windows Store and personal data like contacts or photos. If your device doesn’t have a local backup, you won’t be able to recover the deleted files.
What happens if you don’t activate windows 10?
You will not be able to get apps from the store and some programs and settings might not work. After 30 days, your Windows 10 license will become a “non-genuine” copy of Windows and you won’t be able to upgrade or update your apps either. You’ll also see a watermark on the desktop.
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You can contact Microsoft customer service to get help with your copy of Windows. Keep in mind that the only way to activate Windows 10 after 30 days is by buying a license online or over the phone.
If you reinstall another copy of Windows, it will be genuine again. You can then reactivate Windows easily.
Microsoft has made it easy to upgrade from Windows 7 or 8. But not everyone wants to upgrade. For people buying a new computer, the initial installation of Windows 10 might be enough. They can skip or postpone the process of upgrading their old computers and trying out the new operating system may be more important.
Is it bad to not activate Windows 10?
If you choose not to activate Windows 10, make sure that your device is connected to the Internet. You can do this by connecting it directly or through a Wi-Fi network. No matter what type of computer you’re using, make sure the battery is fully charged before starting the process.
If you don’t activate Windows 10, it will continue to run for up to 30 days. You’ll then receive reminders that your copy of Windows is not genuine. At the end of 30 days, your computer’s desktop wallpaper and the apps in the start menu (so-called Metro apps) will be disabled. The same thing will happen if you install another copy of Windows and try to activate it later.
Is activating Windows 10 necessary?
Yes, it is. If your copy of Windows is not activated, you won’t be able to get updates and security fixes. You also won’t be allowed to use the store or download apps from Microsoft.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you reinstall another version of Windows on your device, it will be genuine again.