How does a Windows 10 digital license work?īy linking your Microsoft account to a Windows 10 digital license, you can ensure the Windows Activation troubleshooter will automatically recover your details. As a result, a major hardware change can be frustrating unless you use a Digital license key, which you can utilize to reactivate Windows 10. Windows 10 activation is quite smart maintaining the license key if you change your graphics card, RAM, or Hard Drive, but asking you to re-authenticate if you change the motherboard or in some cases the CPU.

2 How to Link Your Windows 10 Digital License and Switch to a Microsoft Account.

1 How to Link Your Microsoft Account to a Windows 10 Digital License without Switching From a Local Account.

This is the only form of nag you’ll see - there are no pop-up windows, for example.

Activate Windows now.” link at the bottom of the Settings app. You’ll also see a “Windows isn’t activated.

First, you’ll notice a watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Eventually, Windows will start nagging you a tiny bit. Initially, you won’t notice a difference. These days, Windows just complains at you in a few minor, cosmetic ways. With Windows XP, Microsoft actually used Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) to disable access to your computer. However, an unactivated version of Windows 10 doesn’t have many restrictions. RELATED: How Does Windows Activation Work?Īfter you’ve installed Windows 10 without a key, it won’t actually be activated. Whatever version you choose, Windows 10 will install normally. When you select this option, you’ll be able to install either “Windows 10 Home” or “Windows 10 Pro.” Bear in mind that, if you plan to pay to upgrade to the paid version later, it’ll be cheaper to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, so you may want to install the Home version.

Windows 10 home digital key