The distribution system of Windows 10 keeps pace with the times. Now there is no need to buy a disc in a store or order it on the Internet. Absolutely every user can download Windows 10 to their computer directly from the official website of Microsoft. But this version will only become full-fledged when it is activated.

Reasons to activate Windows

The non-activated version of Windows is essentially a trial product. You can use it for a long time until you decide to buy a license key. In this case, of course, some features in the non-activated version will be blocked or limited:

• all personalization options for Windows 10 will be disabled. This means that you will not be able to set wallpapers on your operating system, choose colors, and so on. The theme will be available only the default one, you will not be able to create your own. Considering how flexible the personalization settings are in this system, this is a serious limitation;

  Theme selection will not be available in non-activated Windows 10

• a watermark will appear on the desktop informing you of the need for activation. This sign will be on top of all running programs or games. It is distracting and just looks ugly, which, of course, is important for users;

  Windows activation reminder will interfere with your work

• lack of official support from Microsoft: after purchasing a license, you become a client of the company. This means that she is obliged to provide you with technical assistance on the official forums and fully support your product. This also includes regular system updates that only the activated version of Windows 10 receives.

  Only activated versions of Windows 10 get full company support

It turns out that working on an activated operating system is not only more pleasant and convenient, but also more reliable. After all, many updates relate primarily to the security and protection of your computer.

Activating Windows in various ways

Regardless of which version of Windows you are using (Home, Pro, corporate or others), you can activate it in different ways, even if you have a key to another version. Among the activation methods there are both legal - with the purchase of a key - and illegal methods. Whether to use illegal activation methods or not - this choice always remains on the user's conscience.

Windows 10 activation via command line

A very simple way to activate is through the command line. This requires literally a couple of commands, but first you need to open it:

This will open the command prompt. Follow these steps:

If the activation is successful, you will receive a notification about it. Then you can close the command line.

Entering the activation key in the system parameters

Another activation method is activation through the system parameters. Do the following:

You can also activate it in the computer update menu:

Regardless of the method chosen, the result will be the same: your system will be activated if the key is entered correctly.

Activating Windows 10 without internet

The official activation process itself involves contacting Microsoft servers to confirm the key. Therefore, activation without the Internet can be understood as:

• delayed activation during Windows installation, which will be carried out as soon as the computer is connected to the network. So, for example, you can have a digital license (for example, when upgrading from a licensed version of Windows 8.1), in this case you will not be prompted for a key, and activation will take place automatically when you access the Internet;
• activation by phone - it is possible to activate Windows 10 by phone using Microsoft's automatic assistant;
• activation through an activator program - there are illegal activators that can work without the Internet. They do not activate the system directly, but force the computer to consider it as such, removing all imposed restrictions.

Windows 10 OEM activation

The OEM in the version name refers to the distribution type of the operating system. This means that the system was preinstalled on the computer for sale with it. So, when buying a modern laptop, you will receive a device with an OEM version of Windows 10. At the same time, you will not be given the key to the operating system directly, it will be tied to the laptop's motherboard.

If such a laptop has lost activation when reinstalling Windows, it would be good to find out your license key. This can be done using the ProdeKey program, which will identify the key associated with your equipment. This program serves a single purpose: to point you to the key for your operating system.

This program will allow you to find out the key associated with your equipment

After you find out the key, you just have to activate the system using one of the methods described above. In this case, activation will be completely legal, because you purchased this version of Windows along with the hardware.

Sometimes you can find a license key right on the case of your laptop or computer in the form of a special sticker.

Activation stickers may look different

Activating Windows 10 by phone

The way to activate Windows 10 by phone is convenient when there is no way to go online. This type of Windows activation requires the following steps:

Possibility to postpone activation

All the legal methods described above will activate your system forever. Until you reinstall it or replace key pieces of equipment, reactivation is not required. In the case of illegal methods, no one knows when the activation of your Windows will be reset.

But there is another officially authorized method that activates Windows temporarily. This is done like this:

In this way, you postpone the need for activation for a month and can continue to use your operating system to the fullest. This can be done only three times, then such an opportunity will be unavailable.

Windows activation via KMS activator

Mentioning activation methods, one cannot but tell about the most popular unofficial program for activating Windows. Its features are as follows:

• supports all modern operating systems, any of their versions;
• completely free;
• conducts high-quality activation with the function of maintaining it in the future, if desired;
• has many settings for advanced users and one-button activation for beginners.

It's really easy to use this program:

Video: Easy Way to Activate Windows 10

Get the Education version of Windows

There are several editions of Windows specifically for education. They differ from the usual in more advanced functionality, programs for conducting tests and changed default settings. And, of course, there is a standalone version of Windows 10 Enterprise built specifically for educational institutions.

There is a special licensing system for such products, as well as separate prices. However, you will have to officially confirm that you are an educational institution in order to receive these benefits. The purchase procedure itself must take place through the official resellers of Microsoft.

There is a convenient system for selecting a supplier for your educational institution

Otherwise, the activation process for such operating systems does not differ from the activation of other versions. In the same way, you can activate Windows yourself through the system settings or use third-party activation programs.

Activating Windows after replacing the motherboard

Like the previous operating system, Windows 10, when activated, "remembers" the hardware of your computer. With a serious change, for example, when replacing the motherboard, activation may fail. If you have a license key or have unofficially updated, your actions are clear. You just need to re-enter the key or re-activate. But what if you received a licensed version of Windows 10 as a result of a free upgrade? In this case, you do not have the key and you will have to act differently.

Prior to the release of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, the only solution was to contact technical support. There you had to describe the situation and after a private review, Microsoft support staff made a decision and returned the activation manually. Now this process can be done automatically. Do the following:

After that, activation will return to its place, and you can continue to work. In any disputable situations or if this method does not help, you still have to contact technical support.

We keep Windows activation when reinstalling the system

Many digitally activated users (that is, those who updated for free when a new system is released) are afraid to reinstall Windows. "After all, with a clean reinstallation, all files from the computer will be deleted, which means that activation will also fly off" - this is how users reason. In fact, this statement is not true. Activation will take place automatically if:

• When you reinstall Windows 10, you did not replace the motherboard or other hardware;
• you are installing the same version of Windows that you already have.

That is, the main thing is not to try to install a different version using your license key. It should completely match the one that has already been activated.

For any reactivation issues, Microsoft suggests contacting technical support or using the Activation Troubleshooter.

Reappearance of the inscription about the activation of Windows

If the message about the need to activate Windows 10 returned to your desktop, this may be due to one of two reasons:

• or Windows activation was not performed reliably, and at the moment your operating system has returned to an inactivated state;
• or an error solely in the return of the inscription, while the system itself remained activated.

In the first case, you need to reactivate the system by one method or another. In the second, you can cope with a simple program Universal Watermark Disabler. Take the following steps to get rid of the activation notification:

Video: Remove Watermark Using Universal Watermark Disabler

Windows activation problems and errors

Let's take a look at the most common Windows activation problems.

Windows 10 won't activate after installation

If you are unable to activate Windows after reinstalling the operating system, there may be several reasons:

• during the recovery, update or installation of Windows 10, the wrong version of the operating system was used from which you have the key;
• the copy of Windows you purchased was installed on several different computers. The license agreement allows activation on multiple devices, but this activation may fail if used at a time;
• using an unofficial Windows image;
• significant changes in the hardware used on your computer.

How to act with some of these factors, we have already described above. In any case, if you have problems with the official activation of Windows, you can always contact Microsoft technical support for help.

The system asks for activation, but it is activated

This failure can occur in the following cases:

• if your Windows 10 hasn't been updated for a long time. In this case, just update it to the latest version;
• if your computer does not have an internet connection. The system cannot verify the authenticity of your key;
• Microsoft servers are overloaded. Because of this, some of the data may be returned in the wrong way, leading to certain failures.

Other Windows 10 activation errors

There are other Windows activation errors as well. Usually they are indicated by one or another code: 0xC004F210, 0xC004F034, 0x8007267C. The methods for solving these errors differ from each other, and the reasons for their occurrence can be divided into three simple categories:

• key input error on your part. You just have to enter the key more carefully or make sure its authenticity;
• the user has a problem with the Internet. Establish a reliable connection before trying to activate the key;
• Microsoft has a network problem. Due to maintenance work or heavy workload, this can also make it impossible to activate the system. In this case, you just have to wait.

The one-stop solution for any error-causing issue is the ability to contact technical support or run the Activation Troubleshooter.

Any activation error can be corrected by technical support

Windows activation check

If you have activated the system and you need to make sure of this, you can use one of the following methods:

• go to the system information window and find the inscription "Windows is activated";

  On the system screen, you can find information about the successful activation of Windows 10

• find the same inscription in the update settings in the activation section;

  You can find out that the system is activated in the "Activation" menu

• enter slmgr / xpr on the command line. If the system is activated, you will receive a message about it.

  After entering the command, you will see a message that the system is activated

Any of these methods is equally reliable, so it is enough to check with one of them.

The more ways you know how to activate Windows 10, the more opportunities you have to do it. If one of the methods does not work for you, just try another. After all, it is much more pleasant and safer to work on activated Windows.

License is a legal concept and cannot be physically registered anywhere in UEFI.

I mean, the activation "keys" were registered in UEFI. How to deal with them?

Personally, I am quite satisfied with the fact that the lawyers who protect the interests of the company have not pointed out to me the flaws in my logic, if these flaws exist.

but this is how strange it seems to be. There may not be a flaw in the logic, but there is GK 1280 (and the strange thing is that the lawyers did not notice this):

Article 1280. Right of the user of a computer program and database

1. A person who lawfully owns a copy of a computer program or a copy of a database (user) has the right, without the permission of the author or other rightholder and without payment of additional remuneration:

1) carry out actions necessary for the operation of a computer program or database (including during use in accordance with their purpose), including recording and storing in the computer memory (one computer or one network user), entering into a computer program or database of changes solely for the purpose of their functioning on the user's technical means, correction of obvious errors, unless otherwise provided by an agreement with the copyright holder;

in other words, the user can run Windows 10 OEM, if it does not contradict the contract (person. agreement). And what is written there?:

4. Transfer.This section does not apply if you acquired the software as a consumer in Germany or to any of the countries listed on the web page (aka.ms/transfer). In this case, the transfer of the software to a third party and the right to use it must be in accordance with applicable law.

a. software preinstalled on the device. If the software was purchased preinstalled on the device (or if you updated the software preinstalled on the device), you may transfer the license to use the software directly to another user. only in conjunction with a licensed device. The software must be transferred, as well as a genuine Windows product key sticker, if any, on the device. Prior to any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software.

In other words, the OEM license and the device are linked for the entire life of the device. You can not divide them - this is a clear prohibition from the MC. BUT! We read further faces. agreement (I always have there, the further - the more interesting):

b. Separately purchased software. If software was purchased separately(and also if you updated separately purchased software), you can transfer the software to another device you own... It is also possible to transfer the software to a device owned by another person if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to be bound by this agreement. You can use an authorized backup copy or the media on which you received the software to transfer the software. Before transferring software to a new device, you must uninstall it from your previous device. It is forbidden to transfer software for the purpose of sharing licenses across multiple devices.

And what do we see? This explicit permission to transfer Windows 10 ( purchased separately) to other hardware. And not a word is worth about whether you bought a separate OEM or BOX !!!
Hence (my logic):
- if the Author bought an OEM separately and installed it himself - then he maybe
- if the Author bought computer with OEM- then he Can not reinstall it on other hardware.

I would be grateful to you, Igor, if you would discuss this with your lawyers. Thanks!

What's new in Windows 10?

Key features include:

• Extended Start Menu. The familiar Start menu is back in place, giving you quick, one-click access to your most frequently used functions and files, and the ability to personalize your favorite apps, programs, people, and websites.
• Windows applications. Windows Store apps now open in the same format as desktop apps. They can be dragged and resized, and there is a title bar at the top, with which users can expand, minimize and close the application with one click.
• Improved pinning function. With the new arrangement of quadrants on one screen, you can pin up to four applications. Windows will show you other running applications and programs that you can dock, and even make recommendations on how to fill up the remaining screen space with other open applications.
• New button for submitting tasks. A new taskbar button provides a single view for all open applications and files, allowing you to quickly switch between user-created desktops.
• Multiple desktops. Instead of cluttering one desktop with files and applications, you can now simply create multiple tables for different purposes and projects and easily switch between them.

What editions of Microsoft Windows 10 are there?

Flaws:
The software "binds" to the "hardware" upon activation. It is illegal to purchase a license separately from a computer 1.

OEM editions of Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro are sold.

Box

Advantages:
Possible option if you buy licenses separately from computers. Simple licensing, no minimum quantity restrictions. If available from the seller, the delivery time is minimal. Price includes VAT. Licenses are not registered, they can be transferred to another organization, but not more than once.

This is the only type of Windows licensing that allows you to transfer a license to another computer.

Flaws:
High price. No right to use previous versions. Inconvenient logistics for large purchases. The need to store packaging (empty boxes) to confirm the legality of the software. A boxed license is not equivalent to a volume license.

The boxed editions of Windows 10 Home and.

Electronic key

In the online stores of Microsoft partners, you can purchase Windows 10 dongles and download the corresponding distributions. These licenses are for personal users and correspond to the boxed versions.

Electronic keys are sold as Windows 10 Home editions and:

Corporate license

For volume licensing programs, Windows is only available as an update ("upgrade"). This means that volume licenses are purchased after OEM licenses, boxes or dongles are purchased.

From the commercial editions of Windows 10, volume licenses exist for the Pro and Enterprise editions.

Advantages:
Volume keys (VLK). There is a possibility of legal use of previous versions - downgrade. The term for the production of licenses is from 2 working days.

Flaws:
Licenses are registered, they cannot be transferred to another organization. There are restrictions on the minimum order (at least 5 licenses).

How to legalize Windows?

The best and most economical way to purchase full Windows licenses is to purchase a pre-installed OS on a new computer (OEM licenses). However, if you find counterfeit software or apply a Volume Licensing Windows Updates license without a matching operating system on computers, you can use solutions to resolve the inconsistency. We are talking about the so-called "legalizers" of Windows.

Articles. Hope you find it interesting.

Upgrading to Windows 10 through the official utility

Despite claims of 67 million installed Windows 10, not everyone has done it yet. For a smoother transition, without dancing with tambourines and other rituals, Microsoft released a special update utility that allows you not only to update your PC, but also to write an image to flash-card or create Iso image.

* The program was released almost with the release itself, I'm just a slop.

You can download the utility from the official website Microsoft:

"Special utility for upgrading to Windows 10"

1. Download the utility for the bitness of your system (32 or 64 bit)
2. "Upgrade this PC now"
3. Wait for the update to complete and follow the instructions during installation

1. Download the bitness utility for your system ( 32 or 64 bit)
2. Run the application and select the item Create installation media for another computer, click "Further".
3. Select the desired system language, version, and architecture (bitness).
4. Select an item "USB flash drive" in the case of writing to a flash drive, or paragraph "ISO file" in the case of creating an ISO image for further burning to disc. Click on "Further".
5. If you choose to write to a flash drive, select it from the list of connected ones, and if you choose to create an ISO image, select the place where the ISO image will be saved. Click on "Further".
6. Wait for the end of the process. The process may take a long time, depending on your Internet speed, the speed of writing to a flash drive or system disk, etc.

Notes (edit)

[1 ] To find out bitness installed operating system, go to "Control Panel - System and Security - System -" System Type "line».
[2 ] To find out the installed version Windows on your computer, go to "Control Panel - System and Security - System - Windows Edition" line.
[3 ] Created Iso image can be used not only to write to a DVD, but also to write to a flash drive, if, for some reason, the way to create a bootable flash drive through the utility did not suit you.

The key may be needed to activate your Windows if the installer for some reason did not activate it by itself.

1. Download the program RWEverything s for the system of your bitness (32 or 64 bit);
2. If you do not want to install the program, then download its Portable version and unzip it into a folder convenient for you;
3. Install the program if required;
4. Run ( Rw.exe or through the shortcut for the installed version) and click on the button ACPI;
5. Next open the tab MSDM and in the line Data see your OEM key;
6. Copy or write it down so you don't lose it and use it if Windows Installer asks.

"How to get an OEM key"

Installing Windows 10 from a drive:

1. Insert the media that contains the recorded image Windows 10.
2. Turn off your device (PC, Laptop, Tablet).
3. Turn on your device by pressing the call key Boot Menu(the list of keys for calling can be viewed, but only for PCs or laptops).
4. In the menu that appears, select your device on which the Windows 10 image is recorded and press the Enter key.
5. Wait for the installation to start and follow the instructions of the installer. This shouldn't be a problem.

"An approximate view of the Boot Menu on a computer"

We clean the disk from old Windows and Windows 10 installation files:

Not all hard drives, let alone SSDs, are large. Such people do not need to keep the "unnecessary folder Windows.old with an old version of Windows. How to get rid of it?

Warning

Attention! When deleting a folder Windows.old it will not be possible to rollback to a previous OS version, only a clean install.

1. "Start - Settings - System - Storage"
2. Select the disk where the system is installed and wait for the count of occupied files
3. Select item "Temporary files"
4. To delete files from old Windows, click "Remove Previous Versions"

To rollback to a previous version of Windows after upgrading to Windows 10:

Warning

Attention! Rollback is possible no later than 30 days after the upgrade to Windows 10 and if there is a folder Windows.old

1. "Start - Settings - Update & Security - Recovery"
2. Select an item "Back to Windows 8.1" or "Return to Windows 7"

"Hot" keys in Windows 10:

I don't think you need to explain what hotkeys are for. The list below lists almost all the hotkeys available in Windows 10.

General:
- Win + A opens the action center in the right pane;
- Win + I launches Parameters;
- Win + Q activates voice assistant Cortana for voice input;
- Win + S does the same, but to enter the command in text;
- Win + X opens the context menu;
- Win + the window is shifted to the right. The combination works similarly with the and ↓ buttons;
- Win + Ctrl + D creates a new virtual desktop;
- Win + Ctrl + F4 closes the active desktop;
- Win + Tab allows you to access all desktops and applications;
- Win + Ctrl+ ← or → - navigation between desktops;
- Win + Alt + G turns on screen activity recording, and Win + Alt + R ends the process;
- Win + G includes game DVR recording (not all games are supported);
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens the Task Manager;
- Win + M minimizes all windows;
- Win + Shift + M returns minimized windows to the desktop;
- Win + Home minimizes all windows except the active one;
- Win + L displays the lock screen, allowing you to change the account;
- Win + S opens Search;
- Win + E launches Explorer;
- Alt + Tab navigation through active applications and windows;
- Win + Enter includes a screen reader;
- Ctrl + Alt + Tab- combination for viewing open applications.

That's all for now. Thank you for your attention!

Hello everyone today we will find out How to determine the type of Windows license (Retail, VL, OEM), consider what are their differences and purposes. It will be useful for system administrators who want their own Windows licensing server in the company. Since the KMS server automatically activates, only the Volume version of Windows. then you will have to follow the procedure for changing the type of OS release. I think I'll write you an article on how to change Retail to Volume.

Types of Windows licenses:

Evalution is a trial version, it is identical in functions to Retail, but after a fixed test period it stops loading.

Windows retail, what is it

• Retail - aka FPP (Full Product Package), or boxed version. Sold at retail in a box. Requires activation. It looks like this, the installation disk and it contains paper and an activation sticker.

• OEM license - an abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturer, comes with new machines, is installed by the computer manufacturer, as a rule, it is already activated at the time of sale. If you reinstall it yourself, it usually requires activation. It should be noted that OEM versions of large vendors do not require activation on "native" equipment. You may find a similar sticker from OEM Software on your purchased devices.

• VL license is an abbreviation for Volume License, initially only for large enterprises (or corporate license), not for retail sale. This version does not require activation. In this case, the same key is installed on a large number of machines (up to 500, GVLK key). Sometimes this type of license is called VLK (Volume License Key), which actually means the same thing.
• CPP stands for Compliance Checking Program, or Update. A version designed only for installation over an existing copy of Windows. Has a lower cost than Retail.

Now, from theory to practice, using the example of the windows 7 operating system.

To find out the installed version of Windows, we make the following gestures:

1. Go to Start> Run> CMD
2. In the command line that opens, enter regedit.exe (to open the registry)
3. You can close the command line here - we won't need it anymore.
4. In the registry, go to the following folders:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE => SYSTEM => Setup => Pid and look at the file named "Pid" (it is not necessary to open it)

In the specified value, the last 3 digits are what we need.
If it says "OEM" it is OEM. What does this mean, see above.
If "270" is specified, it is VL. See also above.
If "ЦЦЦ" is specified - it is Retail. (Ts is a number). Description above
(Explained applies to Win7. For WinXP - VLK distribution - look like Retail for Win7, OEM - like OEM)