Activate Windows

[linusface]

What does activate Windows mean 

[Semper]

Is this something you're seeing on your desktop?

In general, it means you're running an unlicensed copy of Windows, in other words, your install does not have a registered license (or an invalid one) with Microsoft.

Most of the functions of windows itself will still work, but you'll have the watermark on your desktop and you'll have limited customization options.

If you purchased Windows, there will be a key somewhere that should allow you to activate it. If you bought a prebuilt system, you may need to contact the OEM builder. If you built the system yourself and created a windows image with something like Microsoft's Media Creation Tool, you can purchase a license which you can enter to activate your copy.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/b/windows?SilentAuth=1&wa=wsignin1.0&activetab=tab%3ashopwindows10

[captain_to_fire]

[LogicalDrm]

-> Moved to Windows

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Microsoft Windows is paid operating system which is served as free trial. For first 14-30 days you are getting full OS as part of trial. After that it locks with message saying you need to activate if you want the full OS again. The activation means that you enter serial key, or log into Microsoft account which has ownership for the OS.