Do you have to...?

[legend8887]

If I was to purchase a copy of Windows 8.1 64-Bit OEM today, June 15th, would I be able to install and activate it whenever I wanted? Or do I have to install and activate it in a certain amount of time? I'm thinking about getting it because it's $15 off Newegg for only $85 but I don't plan on building my new PC for another month or two.

[xrex64]

It might expire if we stop using letters and numbers, but even then it should work. 

[legend8887]

It might expire if we stop using letters and numbers, but even then it should work. 

Please just answer my question.

[TheRetiredSlave]

Yeah you'll be fine with waiting to activate it.. If you do have problems when you try to activate it, you can always call Microsoft support and they will be able to help you.

[TheSLSAMG]

Please just answer my question.

He wittingly made a joke which in itself means you will be fine.

[xrex64]

Please just answer my question.

You won't have any problem with it expiring. 

[Syntaxvgm]

Do you mean install without a key then activate? Or activate with a different key? What the issue where you need to wait?

Windows just removes your wallpaper and gives you mean messages on startup and sticks "Not genuine" in the corer of the desktop. You can use it indefinitely without activation. 

Windows 7 can be installed without a key but windows 8 cannot. 

EDIT

oh wait, I get it. Sorry, tired. 

Keys should last indefinitely. Unless someone steals them or something unlikely.