Today in the computer industry there is such a situation that every company tries to protect its software. For this, special keys are used, and for some time now online activation methods.
Microsoft operating systems were no exception. Starting from early Win XP and ending with Windows 10, all systems need activation. Otherwise, their functionality will be significantly limited.
Windows Activation - Concept and Tools
As a matter of fact, it’s clear from the name what Windows activation is. This is an authentication process, the so-called communication channel between the manufacturer and the user, which allows you to determine whether the Windows owner is using a licensed copy or is using pirated software.
In the conditions of a user agreement with Microsoft on the use of the Windows operating system, activation is an important stage, a peculiar way to prevent the illegal use and distribution of your own distribution kit.
After installing a licensed copy of Windows, the user is given 30 days to enter a license key, or to conduct online activation.
License or pirated version? User Choice
When purchasing the original version of Windows (it is worth noting that in monetary terms the purchase of a license will result in a substantial amount), a license activation key is pasted on the box with the disk. It consists of 25 characters and is entered immediately after the installation of the system. If the product was purchased through the Internet, then the key comes to the specified email.
There is a flip side to the coin - the so-called pirated software, which is very much on the Web. In fact, this is not at all surprising in view of the high cost of the licensed product. The assembly of Windows in itself is no different from the original, the only difference is that the system activator is already embedded in the shell. Or on the Internet it is easy to find special programs - “cracks” that activate the system. However, it should be remembered that the use of unlicensed software is illegal and entails punishment.
Windows activation methods
So, what is activation, of course, now it remains to figure out how to perform it.
Today, there are two ways to activate:
- using a key;
- in telephone mode.
Microsoft periodically releases updates, one of which checks the Windows activation key. It’s called “Security Update”.
Licensed Windows Activation
As already mentioned, when buying a CD with the original version of Windows, the user receives a 25-digit activation code in addition to it. In addition, the key can be obtained by purchasing corporate versions of the OS, computer or laptop with an already installed system. Also, the code is sent by e-mail when you purchase Windows in the official online store.
Enter the desired key during the first installation of the operating system. At the final stage, a window should appear in which the user will be asked to enter a specific activation code. After the introduction, the system will indicate whether the given combination is true or not. If so, the installation will be completed and Windows will activate.
And if the key is clear, then what is the activation of the system in telephone mode? In fact, everything is simple - you need to call the command line (Win + R combination) and enter the slui command there.
After choosing a country (Russia, Ukraine), a free phone will appear that you need to call. In addition to the phone, the installation code will be shown on the PC screen, which will need to be dialed on the phone.
After the source code is entered, the machine operator will begin to dictate the operating system license key. In order to do this, go to the properties of the computer and select "Activate Windows".
Windows 10 Activation
The latest version of Microsoft operating systems at the moment is Windows 10. After its release, many users of early versions of Windows were offered to switch to the "top ten" for free, while retaining all the settings, certificates and licenses.
The only inconvenience - this upgrade affects only one PC. That is, even if the computer had licensed Windows 7 or 8, and the user upgraded to Win 10 for free, then when you buy a new hardware, you won’t be able to transfer the existing top ten to it. Have to buy a new original distribution.
If Windows 10 was purchased from scratch, then getting an activation key is also simple. To do this, after installing the OS, you just need to go to the "Start" menu, the "Settings" section. Next, click on the item “Update and Security” and on the left side of the window of the “Activation” menu. After clicking the “Activate” magic button, the operating system will authenticate and go into the activated status. Naturally, the computer must be connected to the Internet.
During activation, the system can ask the user for a key that comes with a bootable flash drive (disk).
Windows 10 Activation Issues
The difference between the original version of Windows 10 and its predecessors lies in the fact that if the PC has undergone modernization (such important elements as the CPU, motherboard or hard drive have been replaced), then the activation automatically flies and could not be resumed even if there was a key.
To solve this problem, it was necessary to contact Microsoft support again and reactivate the system. Fortunately, the developers have released a global update Anniversary Update. Thanks to it, a licensed copy of Windows 10 is linked to a Microsoft account. And even in the case of replacement of components, activation has become much faster and easier to restore.
Yes, an important point: the number of re-activations of the operating system is limited. And when this limit is reached, the system cannot be activated.
In conclusion
So, the answer to the question of what activation is received. Which of the ways to use is up to the user to decide. In principle, for workstations, servers, institutions and enterprises, licensed versions of Microsoft operating systems seem more popular. Especially taking into account the fact that there are bodies involved in checking PC companies just for the subject of original software.
Well, as for ordinary inhabitants, the situation here is twofold. On the one hand, pirated software is free, and on the other, the presence of a licensed version of Windows always guarantees support from developers, as well as many additional features of the system.