How Windows Product Activation Works. Windows will prompt you to activate with Microsoft after you install it. When you activate over the Internet, your copy of Windows checks in with Microsoft and reports its product key. … “Significant” hardware changes can also trigger the Windows activation process again.

What happens when Windows 10 is activated?

Activate windows now.” That link and the watermark in your desktop area will remain until you activate your Windows 10 with a genuine license key; Secondly, you will not be able to change the personalization settings on Windows. It will stop you from changing the wallpaper, background screen, lock screen, and themes.

What happens if Windows 10 not activated?

So, what really happens if you do not activate your Win 10? Indeed, nothing awful happens. Virtually no system functionality will be wrecked. The only thing that’ll not be accessible in such a case is the personalization.