I'm not sure about this, maybe Nigel knows (highly likely!). If your daughter just needs a little "play" time with Win 10 to see how it feels to her, can you install (dual or VM) and just not activate it? It should just expire, can't remember time period. Only a thought, kinda kicking the tires and a test spin before committing.
All Modern versions of windows have included at least a 30 day trial, with the ability to extend this 3 times which gives a theoretical maximum of 120 days which should be enough for a comprehensive trial.
With younger users I've often found that finding an App that only works with the New OS, (specifically an App in this case as they do not work on Windows 7 ) that appeals to them they then start to like the New windows more quickly, one of the available games or something like Paint 3D but actual age specific
Last edited by Barman58; 06 Dec 2017 at 09:55. Reason: remove link
Thanks! I knew you'd have an answer to my babbling! :)All Modern versions of windows have included at least a 30 day trial, with the ability to extend this 3 times which gives a theoretical maximum of 120 days which should be enough for a comprehensive trial.
With younger users I've often found that finding an App that only works with the New OS, (specifically an App in this case as they do not work on Windows 7 ) that appeals to them they then start to like the New windows more quickly
Last edited by Barman58; 06 Dec 2017 at 09:55.
According to the Windows 10 EULA, there is no free trial period. Installing and using it without a legitimate activation violates the EULA from day one. There is no trial grace period.
Also, without activation it does not expire. You get some functions such as personalization that are disabled, and you get nag screens, but it doesn't expire.
Finally, if the computer came with Windows 8 from the factory, there should be a product key for Windows 8 stored in BIOS/UEFI. Windows 10 setup will read that product key and use it to automatically activate Windows 10 on that computer.
If pc came with Win 8 bios embedded key, it will as you say activate autmatically. It is actually almost impossible to dual boot Windows 10 on such PCs and comply with EULA.
Even entering a product key does not help any longer (if you wanted to comply with EULA) since FCU things have changed (yet again) as new key is no longer actually installed - you just still just get one digital licence and a same generic key. I do not think you can even enter key for same version if already activated.
So NOW only legal way to comply with EULA since FCU is NOT to dual boot which is absurd. In the end, it is MSs own fault if people do not comply with EULA as the EULA does not properly handle digital licences.
Just out of interest,
how is the existing key's presence handled in the modern method to run test set-ups - The Virtual Machine ?
Is the keys presence even visible to what is supposed to be a unique machine
if so what would happen if you tried to run a virtual machine running windows 10 on a Windows 8.1 system with an embedded key?
Will this will all be academic once the "Extended" free upgrade period ends - and MS reverts to expecting payment for it's products?
I setup a Hyper V machine with Win10 on Win8.1 OS Host
The V machine stated the activation key was already in use.
In a Dual Boot you are only able to Boot 1 OS
thus you are only booting 1 instance of the Key
What boggles me here, is if MS does not enforce the Agreement from within the MS activation process thru the MS Server.
Why does it matter so much to members here??
Because the way I see it, that is on MS, because the activation process allows it..
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