Consider your needs and requirements before deciding.
Consider your needs and requirements before deciding.
Once you've installed Windows, it's normal not to activate it right away. Activating isn't necessary for basic use, though it helps with certain features and security settings. If you're unsure, you can skip activation and still run the system as needed.
If you don’t turn it on, then what made you choose a W10 version? It’s just the watermark and customization. Linus does the same without enabling it.
They placed the Windows installer on a USB drive and ran it there. You mentioned it was included with the hard drive—so in that scenario you wouldn’t need to install it yourself, though there are some advanced options available for tech-savvy users.
Are you looking to remove the watermark? Would the grey-out settings in the menu help? If not, proceed. Yes. If you’re indifferent about the source of a key, you can purchase one for around $4-5. Some users face problems with these "grey market" keys, but they still function. I’ve kept it unactivated for a year and received updates. It’s mostly guesswork, maybe influenced by occasional update issues. I’ve fully activated versions (either factory-installed or upgraded during the free upgrade) sometimes struggle to install major updates automatically and need manual flash drive assistance.