04/24/2018 Category: Installation and activation of the system Author: Leonid Levin
Like most licensed software, the Windows 10 operating system is a paid product. But it also has a “shareware” version. Each user decides for himself whether to leave the trial version on the computer or go through the OS activation process. Those who have opted for the licensed version can obtain the coveted activation key in several ways.
- How to activate Windows 10 without a license key
Digital Entitlement MethodVideo: How to become a Windows Insider
- Video: Activating Windows 10 by phone
- Video: How to extend the trial period for Windows 10 through the command line console
- Microsoft Digital Store
Boxed version of Windows 10
Why activate Windows 10
The “shareware” (non-activated) version of Windows 10 almost does not limit the functionality of the OS. Externally, it differs from the activated version only in that at the bottom of the desktop, above the taskbar, a “watermark” always hangs - a reminder of Windows activation. In addition, the user of the non-activated version is deprived of the opportunity to personalize the system, that is, change the desktop wallpaper, icons, loading screens, color themes, and so on. There is nothing critical for work in this, but still, these seemingly insignificant restrictions can sooner or later begin to irritate. In this case, it makes sense to activate Windows using one of the methods described below.
The “watermark” can be removed using third-party utilities, but restrictions on system personalization settings will still remain
Download for free
KMSTools is an excellent program. It contains the best utilities that will tell you how to find out the required keys, with the help of which you can easily and without much effort activate Windows 10. Also, the utility includes the KMSAuto program, which will activate the system itself without user help. This is very convenient, since in a few clicks you can achieve a positive result, without the need to search and check keys found on the Internet.
You can download the keygen on our website. The archive has been scanned by an antivirus, which means that downloading it is completely safe and will not harm your computer or files on your hard drive.
How to activate Windows 10 without a license key
So, you have decided to activate your version of Windows 10. If you have an activation key, then there is nothing complicated about it. But what if there is no key? In this case, there are also ways to legally activate the OS. Microsoft offers two proven and secure methods to choose from:
- Digital Entitlement method;
- Activating Windows 10 by phone.
Digital Entitlement Method
In the Russian translation, the method of activating Digital Entitlement is called “Digital Resolution”. It was originally intended only for users participating in the Windows Insider program, created by Microsoft for preliminary testing and evaluation of Windows. Then the “digital resolution” became available to everyone during the free upgrade promotion period from versions 7 and 8.1 to Windows 10.
You can get a “digital license” on a PC by linking a Microsoft account to the installed OS through the “Activation” setting in the “Update and Security” settings, after which you will forever no longer need to activate Windows 10. But you will still need to enter at least once on your PC Windows license key.
After creating a Microsoft account, a corresponding entry will appear in the activation settings.
To become a Windows Insider user and receive the coveted “digital permission”, you must:
- Go to the “Start - Control Panel - Update and Security” menu. Go to the Windows Insider Program section and click Get Started.
You can also open the settings window by finding the required parameter through the Windows search window - In the window that appears, you need to log in to your Microsoft account (if you don’t have one, then you will be asked to create one).
You can also create a Microsoft account on the official website of the corporation - Then the user will be offered a choice of one of three Windows Insider build packages, which differ in the “rawness” of system components. These packages accordingly allow:
- receive updates as soon as they appear (that is, the user will belong to the group of initial testers);
- receive updates only after an initial performance check;
- receive updates only after the pre-official release for all Windows 10 users.
For more stable operation of Windows 10, it is recommended to select build number 3 - After selecting the Windows Insider build package, you must restart your PC.
You can restart your PC later - The next time you boot your system, you need to go into the Update & Security setting, then open the Windows Update window and click the Check for Updates button to download the required Windows Insider package.
Sometimes the required Windows Insider build is downloaded automatically immediately after the PC is restarted - Done, you now own the "digital resolution" of Windows.
Video: How to become a Windows Insider
The author of this article would like to warn users who are planning to resort to this method of obtaining “digital permission”. Firstly, the downloaded version of Windows 10 will be a test version and cannot guarantee stable operation of all components. Secondly, you will have to update the OS very often, since the number of Windows test components that are released is quite large. And thirdly, this type of system activation actually provides the user not with an official licensed version of Windows, but with a trial version of it, which is valid for 90 days, followed by automatic renewal for the same period. Sometimes a “watermark” that appears on the desktop may indicate that a trial version is being used.
When you hover over the watermark, a message will appear with information about using the Windows Insider Program
Activating Windows 10 by phone
This is another official way to activate Windows 10 offered by Microsoft. You need to do the following:
- Press the WIN+R key combination to open the Windows command line, enter the slui 4 command and press Enter.
You can also launch the Windows command line by right-clicking on the “Start” icon and selecting the appropriate menu - In the “Windows Activation Wizard” window that appears, after selecting your region of residence, an information window will open with the phone number to call and the installation code.
You need to click on the “Enter confirmation code” button only after the answering machine confirms that the installation code you entered is correct. - Call the provided toll-free number, then follow the step-by-step instructions from the answering machine. At the end you will be asked to enter the installation code on your phone.
- After entering the installation code, the answering robot will dictate a Windows activation confirmation code to you. You will need to enter it in the confirmation window.
If the confirmation code is entered correctly, then after clicking the “Windows Activation” button, a window will appear confirming the completion of the activation process - After entering the appropriate code, hang up, click the “Windows Activation” button, and then “Done”.
After completing the Windows 10 activation process by phone, a corresponding entry will appear in the “Activation” settings - Restart your PC. Your version of Windows 10 is now activated.
Video: Activating Windows 10 by phone
Security level of Windows 10 activation by phone
This method of activating Windows 10 is one of the safest, since the entire process is confidential, without the participation of any third parties (the activation is carried out by an answering robot). In addition, you do not transmit any personal data or information that threatens the security of your PC and operating system. It is worth remembering only one rule: call only the numbers specified in the “Windows Activation Wizard by Phone” .
Problems activating Windows 10 by phone
Sometimes the activation method by phone may not work. The most common problems that arise are:
- "Data not recognized." Or the Windows activation confirmation key was entered incorrectly - check and enter it again. Or the key is not suitable for the installed version of Windows - then you need to contact Microsoft technical support).
- "Call reset." The reason may be faults on the line or technical work of the Microsoft call center. It is best to call on weekdays from 9:00 to 20:00 Moscow time.
- "Synchronization error." Occurs when Windows time and date settings fail. If the time and date are set correctly, try synchronizing via the Internet through the bottom “Date and Time” control panel.
Delay activation of Windows 10
As you know, the non-activated version of Windows 10 is available for use only for 30 calendar days . After this period expires, the system will simply stop booting, displaying only a window with a message about the need to activate the OS. However, in reality, Windows 10 can run for as long as 90 days without activation. To do this, you need to use the deferred activation feature provided by Microsoft.
You need to do the following:
- use the WIN+R key combination to launch the command line console, enter the command slmgr /rearm and press Enter;
It is best to carry out an extension operation when the previous period comes to an end - After this, a window will appear with information about the successful execution of the command;
- Reboot your PC and you will again be given a trial period of 30 calendar days.
Video: How to extend the trial period for Windows 10 through the command line console
Activating Windows 10 after replacing PC components
If you had a licensed version of Windows 10 installed and you decided to replace components on your computer, this may lead to the OS activation key being reset. In this case, it will be impossible to reuse the current license. Most often, this problem occurs when replacing the motherboard . To reactivate the OS, do the following:
- In Windows Settings, go to the Update & Security console and open the Activation window. Select the Troubleshoot menu.
When you change a hardware component, an entry will appear in the activation section warning that your OS version is not activated - The activation system will display a message like: “Windows could not be activated on this device.” Click on the line “Hardware changes have recently been made to this device.”
You will also be prompted to go to the Windows Store to purchase the new version of the OS. - You will then be asked to sign in using your personal Microsoft account.
If you are already logged in, this step will be automatically skipped. - A window will appear asking you to select the hardware component that was replaced on your PC. After checking the appropriate box, click the “Activate” button.
If you changed several hardware components at once, then you must select them all from the list presented. - Ready. Your version of Windows 10 is activated again.
After troubleshooting, a message will appear in the settings indicating that Windows 10 activation was successful.
Installing KMSTools
First, you need to download an archive with the necessary programs from our website. After completing this step, you need to move the folder from the archived file to any location convenient for you.
The contents of the folder look exactly like this:
- In it we need to open the KMSTools installer.
- We allow the application to make changes to the operating system.
- The following window will open. It contains a list of all existing utilities in the assembly. In order to select one of them, simply right-click on it.
That's all, the program is completely installed on our computer. There is no need to perform any additional actions, everything is simple and clear.
Ways to purchase a Windows 10 license key
There are several ways to purchase a license key to activate Windows 10. Let's look at the most popular ones.
Microsoft Digital Store
This is the fastest and safest way . Once your purchase is complete, you will receive a digital key to activate your version of Windows 10. To purchase:
- Go to the official Microsoft website. In the Windows section, click on the “Buy Windows 10” button.
To quickly navigate the site, you can use the search bar - You will be offered a choice of purchasing two versions of the OS: “Home” and PRO (“Professional”). The difference between them is that the PRO version has expanded functionality and an improved data protection system. Click on the “Buy Windows 10” button.
By clicking on the “Buy” button, you will be redirected to a page with a detailed description of the functions and capabilities of each OS version - On the next page, where the advantages of the new OS will be described in detail, you must click on the “Add to cart” button, and then on “Checkout”.
The cost of the order automatically includes VAT tax - After selecting the payment method, click on the “Place order” button.
Only credit/debit cards are available as payment methods. - Ready. The license key will be sent to your email, which is used in your Microsoft account. This key will need to be entered in the Activations settings of the Update and Security console.
Other ways to purchase a key
There are other, quite convenient, but differing in price and degree of reliability methods for purchasing a Windows 10 activation key.
Boxed version of Windows 10
A reliable, but less cheap way to purchase a licensed version of the OS. When using it, the benefit can be about 1–2 thousand rubles. You cannot purchase the boxed version on the official Microsoft website; you need to buy it in digital stores.
The kit includes:
- Bootable USB device with Windows 10 OS;
- digital activation code;
- paper instructions for installing the system.
Before purchasing the boxed version, check for license certificates of authenticity
Purchasing equipment with Windows 10 installed
The most expensive way to purchase an OS. In this case, Windows 10 will, in fact, be just an addition to the components. Most often, this method is used by users who decide to completely update their PC hardware. In this case, a system unit pre-assembled in a store with Windows 10 installed will cost less than purchasing kits and the OS separately.
Usually in the characteristics of the system unit assembly there is a record of the presence of Windows installed
