Windows 10: How long are generic product keys good for?

Dear Forum,

How long are generic product keys good for? How long do you have to activate the upgraded edition before the generic product key expires?

re: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/pre...2867(v%3dws.11)

The link @jkirkman referenced is broken, the final ')' gets removed from the link by the board software. This link works...

Microsoft Docs | Appendix A: KMS Client Setup Keys

Key Management Server (KMS) generic keys should only be used if you are installing Windows on a PC that will be used in an enterprise environment where volume licencing is regulated by a Key Management Server. A KMS-activated PC has to regularly keep in contact with the KMS to renew its activation. Volume licencing is not available for personal use. I believe KMS activation expires after 90 days.

Any 'hack' to make KMS activation work longer than that is illegal and against forum rules to say how that can be done. Anyone who buys a PC which has a KMS key is the victim of a scam, they have been sold a PC that has had pirated software installed. Unfortunately this is common practice in the shadier corners of eBay.

The Retail generic keys do not expire, but they don't activate Windows either. It is also a violation of the EULA to use an unactivated copy of Windows.