how to install windows 10 in laptop online I’m excited to share with you a step-by-step guide on how to install Windows 10 on your laptop online, without needing a product key. Yes, you read that right! Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key, with only a few small cosmetic restrictions. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the process of downloading and installing Windows 10, and even upgrading to a licensed version later if you choose to. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Downloading Windows 10
While it may seem counterintuitive, you can download Windows 10 from Microsoft without a product key. This is possible because Microsoft allows anyone to download the operating system for free, with only a few cosmetic limitations.
Downloading from Microsoft
Even without a product key, you can download Windows 10 directly from Microsoft’s website. This is the most straightforward way to get the operating system, and it’s completely legal.
Using the Windows 10 download tool
Downloading the Windows 10 download tool is another way to get the operating system. This tool runs on Windows systems and helps you create a USB drive to install Windows 10 or download the ISO.
To use the download tool, simply visit Microsoft’s website and follow the prompts. The tool will guide you through the process of creating a bootable USB drive or downloading the ISO file.
Downloading an ISO directly
While you can’t download an ISO directly from Microsoft’s website if you’re on a Windows machine, you can do so if you’re on a non-Windows device, such as a Mac. Simply visit the Windows 10 ISO download page, and you’ll be able to download the ISO file directly.
With the ISO file, you can create a bootable USB drive or DVD to install Windows 10 on your laptop. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful installation.
Installing Windows 10 Without a Key
The good news is that you can download and install Windows 10 without a product key. Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key. It’ll keep working for the foreseeable future, with only a few small cosmetic restrictions.
Starting the installation process
Installing Windows 10 without a key is relatively straightforward. First, I download the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft’s website. Then, I begin the installation process and install Windows 10 like I normally would.
Skiping the product key entry
One of the first screens I see will ask me to enter my product key so I can “Activate Windows.” However, I can just click the “I don’t have a product key” link at the bottom of the window and Windows will allow me to continue the installation process.
Understanding that I won’t be able to activate Windows without a key, I can still proceed with the installation. If I’m asked to enter a product key later in the process, I can look for a similar small link to skip that screen. Alternatively, I can provide a KMS client setup key to continue, which won’t give me an activated copy of Windows unless I’m in an organization with a Key Management Service.
Choosing the Windows 10 version
Starting the installation process without a key allows me to install either “Windows 10 Home” or “Windows 10 Pro.” I bear in mind that, if I plan to pay to upgrade to the paid version later, it’ll be cheaper to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, so I may want to install the Home version.
Product-wise, I should note that if I want to upgrade to a licensed version later, I can purchase a Windows 10 license from the Windows Store, ranging from $120 for the Home Edition to $200 for the Professional Edition.
The Cosmetic Limitations
All in all, the limitations of an unactivated copy of Windows 10 are purely cosmetic. You won’t experience any significant restrictions on functionality, and your system will continue to receive updates and work smoothly.
Watermark and nag prompts
Now, you will notice a watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen, reminding you that your Windows 10 installation is not activated. Additionally, you’ll see a “Windows isn’t activated. Activate Windows now.” link at the bottom of the Settings app. These are the only forms of nagging you’ll experience – no pop-up windows or other annoyances.
Limited personalization options
Even though you can still use your Windows 10 system without activation, you’ll be unable to change certain cosmetic options, such as your desktop wallpaper, light and dark mode, or accent colors. You’ll see a message saying “You need to activate Windows before you can personalize your PC” when trying to access these settings.
With these limitations in place, you might feel a bit restricted in terms of customizing your Windows 10 experience. However, it’s worth noting that you can still change your wallpaper using other methods, such as right-clicking an image in File Explorer and selecting “Set as desktop background.”
Workarounds for changing wallpaper
One way to bypass the limitation on changing your wallpaper is to use the File Explorer or Photos app. You can right-click an image in File Explorer and select “Set as desktop background,” or open an image in the Photos app, click the menu button, click “Set as,” and then click “Set as background.”
Watermark aside, you can still access Windows 10’s included wallpapers under the C:\Windows\Web folder in File Explorer. This way, you can still customize your desktop experience, even if it’s not through the traditional Personalization settings.
Upgrading to an Activated Version
Once again, I want to emphasize that you don’t need a product key to install and use Windows 10. However, if you want to upgrade to a licensed version later, you can purchase a Windows 10 license from the Windows Store.
Purchasing a Windows license from the Store
To purchase a Windows license, open the Settings app and head to Update & Security > Activation. You’ll see a “Go to Store” button that will take you to the Windows Store if Windows isn’t licensed. In the Store, you can purchase an official Windows license that will activate your PC.
Activating your PC
While in the Windows Store, you can purchase the Home version of Windows 10 for $120 or the Pro version for $200. This is a digital purchase, and it will immediately cause your current Windows installation to become activated.
License activation is a straightforward process. Once you’ve purchased the license, your PC will be activated, and you’ll no longer see the watermark or receive notifications to activate Windows.
Pricing and availability
With the Windows Store, you can purchase a Windows license at any time. The prices vary depending on the country and region you’re in, but in the US, the Home version costs $120, and the Pro version costs $200.
Pricing may vary depending on your location and the type of license you need. It’s important to check the Windows Store for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Final Words
Hence, I’ve walked you through the process of installing Windows 10 on your laptop online without a product key. While it’s crucial to note that you should get a Windows key eventually, Microsoft allows you to download and install Windows 10 for free, with only minor cosmetic limitations. You can always upgrade to a licensed version later by purchasing a Windows 10 license from the Windows Store. With this guide, you’re now equipped to install Windows 10 on your laptop without any hassle, and I hope you find it helpful.