Windows 10 Activation?

[PCGal]

So I recently reinstalled windows 10 pro. During the part of the install when you're asked to enter a product key, I didn't. I was just planning on using windows unactivated as I always do. While installing my drivers I checked properties just to make sure windows was recognizing things. When I looked at it, It said windows was activated. I figured it was some sort of glitch. It's been a few days and it's still activated. I'm not complaining, but I'm just curious why. Thanks in advanced.

[Electronics Wizardy]

it uses the hardware id of the motherboard for activation or your microsoft account. Has the board been activated before or your account?

[PCGal]

1 minute ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

it uses the hardware id of the motherboard for activation or your microsoft account. Has the board been activated before or your account?

The board was never activated. (I was using unactivated before the reinstall, with offline account.) When I reinstalled I linked my Microsoft account. The one device it was on was my laptop, which is activated.

[ProjectBox153]

I don't know, but don't question it!

[PCGal]

Just now, Jamiec1130 said:

I don't know, but don't question it!

Like I said, I'm not complaining, but it's odd.

[ProjectBox153]

Just now, PCGal said:

Like I said, I'm not complaining, but it's odd.

Odd? ODD??? Don't offend the Microsoft Activation overlords!!!

[PCGal]

Just now, Jamiec1130 said:

Odd? ODD??? Don't offend the Microsoft Activation overlords!!!

I'm not trying too. lol. I've just never seen it happen before

[Guest]

I'd be getting scared, and I would start complaining. Somehow, Windows 10 has been talking again with headquarters.

[PCGal]

Just now, Dutch-stoner said:

I'd be getting scared, and I would start complaining. Somehow, Windows 10 has been talking again with headquarters.

why would I complain about free activation?

[Guest]

Because it somehow talked to MS headquarters, or some other random server without you giving the go-ahead... Windows just suddenly did strange things which can't be explained = usually not that good. + what else might your windows do, without you knowing about it.

[PCGal]

1 minute ago, Dutch-stoner said:

Because it somehow talked to MS headquarters, or some other random server without you giving the go-ahead... Windows just suddenly did strange things which can't be explained = usually not that good. + what else might your windows do, without you knowing about it.

I installed it from an OEM cd I got from my cousin, and I went through and did the over the top privacy things during the install.

[Guest]

Just now, PCGal said:

I went through and did the over the top privacy things during the install.

I'm on windows 7. Just really scared about windows 10 privacy stuff. But I would not be surprised at all that you only took down 5% at best. Someone with moar knowlage should comment, if we are going down this road with your topic.

[PCGal]

2 minutes ago, Dutch-stoner said:

I'm on windows 7. Just really scared about windows 10 privacy stuff. But I would not be surprised at all that you only took down 5% at best. Someone with moar knowlage should comment, if we are going down this road with your topic.

IDK. I watched the Barnacules Nerdgasm video to help make sure I got everything.

[Silentprototipe]

Welp its free so aint complaning. I did the whole upgrade loop for disabled people and got me a free Win10 Home license and its been fine 

[Zodiark1593]

Regrettably, I made a derp moment regarding activation. I wanted the EFS features from Windows 10 professional, and where it says to change the product key, entered my retail Windows 7 Professional key. It upgraded without a hitch. The next morning, I get a warning and a watermark. 

 

Turns out, there was already a system with this key (my grandfather's) still in use I didn't account for, and the activation failed. I was under the assumption that it was good for four systems. Still, when I originally entered this key, it allowed the upgrade without complaint, so unsure what to think, though I'm not planning on holding Microsoft responsible for thisthis tidbit alone. 

 

This is only my spare, $100 2-in-one, so not a big deal, though the watermark is annoying when watching videos. Was wondering whether to go through the trouble of reverting it (hopefully without reinstalling everything else), or take the opportunity to add a Linux-based distro to my repertoire, or send Microsoft an email explaining the above, and hope I don't have to do any extra work on my part. 

[Dudefoxlive]

just be glad that it is activated and you dont have to worry about it.