I can't decide on a new operating system for a friend.
I can't decide on a new operating system for a friend.
I have a friend with a very limited budget and I built a decent PC within it. The main issue is the operating system. There are three choices: first, keep using his old HDD with Windows 7 as-is; second, purchase a Windows 10 key for about 100 euros; third, install Windows 10 but never activate it. I want to know if there are differences between installing an unactivated and an activated version.
You can use the existing Windows 7 license on the new system to activate it in Windows 10. Or, you might choose to set up a fresh installation of Windows 7 on the new device.
I believe the unactivated Windows displays a watermark on your desktop reminding you to activate, and you can't modify the background. Your friend is using an unofficial version of Windows and keeps receiving persistent activation prompts. You might wait until he has the funds and consider purchasing the full version then.
Customizing features such as background and color is somewhat challenging, but it remains fairly straightforward.
Windows 10 without activation functions smoothly, with no interruptions or alerts except a minor watermark visible at the bottom left after extended use. Adjusting the desktop background isn't possible through Settings, though you can modify it via File Explorer or photo applications. Changing accent colors or specific Start menu options requires accessing the registry or using third-party tools. If you're okay with the watermark and blue tones, activation isn't necessary. However, possessing a Windows 7 key might still trigger activation. It seems this approach works for OEM keys as well—test it first.