Don't have an activated version of Windows 10, but the watermark is annoying?

[Ketellapper]

So recently I've built my very first gaming PC, I didn't buy any key for windows yet, as I don't really feel the need for it as of right now.

Normally when you do not activate Windows, you get a watermark in the bottom of your screen, however I didn't get this the first time I booted into my freshly built PC, which confused me but I didn't mind. A day later when I booted it it did show me the watermark.

I realised it might have had something to do with the BIOS, because I booted into the BIOS the first time I booted my PC and I went straight to windows when I booted up my PC the next day.

I tried to replicate the process by spamming my delete key, hopping into the BIOS and then exiting the BIOS and loading into windows... It worked! (for me at least) and it still does work.

It's only temporarily though, since the watermark does appear after a few hours of using the computer.

You'll just have to trust me on this, since I would include proof, but I don't feel like blurring out all my private information.

 

If you would like to use Windows 10 without using a license key, you want a legit version of windows (not cracked) and you don't want a watermark follow these easy steps:

- Shut down your PC (if it is on)

- Boot your PC and enter the BIOS (Probably press the power button on your PC and then just spam the delete key)

- Exit the BIOS without shutting down the PC and load up Windows by doing that. (On an MSI Motherboard there is probably an exit button in the top of the screen)

 

Disclaimer: This might not work for you, it could be dependant on the motherboard or any other factors.

[Zodiark1593]

The watermark isn't a big deal, and the customization lock is easily bypassed via regedit. Don't think theres any need to go further than that if one really is keen on not giving Microsoft money, certainly no need to break forum rules either.

 

On my secondary system that I attempted to upgrade from Home to Professional using an old MSDN key I had, it allowed the upgrade, but refused to activate the key after, so I had the watermark for some time. Rebooting made it disappear for a short time (about an hour or two). Couldn't justify paying literally double the cost of this system for a license, and I didn't feel like doing a complete reinstall, so I left it as is. 

 

When I updated Windows to some 2018 build though (still Professional), for some reason it ended up being activated via digital license. No idea why it activated out of the blue on a formerly inactivated store

 

Edit: There is a bit of a missed opportunity for Microsoft here though. If unlicensed Windows is locked to only running apps from Microsoft's store, Microsoft would still be getting their money either way.

[xriqn]

Rather than whining about unactivated windows giving you trouble, just go to kinguin and get a windows key for cheap. Here, I'll link you to a nice, cheap windows 10 key.

https://www.kinguin.net/category/22175/windows-10-home-oem-key/

I mean come on, £21 is nothing for a windows key considering it's normally over £100.