No, it is not legal to install Windows 8.1 with a generic key without activating it.

F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems No, it is not legal to install Windows 8.1 with a generic key without activating it.

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EnderSponge_
Member

225

02-24-2016, 08:35 PM

Hi guys this is a genuine question, because I am simply curious if you could install Win 8.1 using the generic keys released by Microsoft and never activating? Isn't this just a very easy way by Microsoft to let people use Windows without ever paying a penny. it seems kind of counterproductive to me...

EnderSponge_

02-24-2016, 08:35 PM #1

NinjaPanther17
Member

02-26-2016, 04:24 AM

Functions will remain off until you enable them.

NinjaPanther17

02-26-2016, 04:24 AM #2

Functions will remain off until you enable them.

DuckZi
Member

194

02-27-2016, 10:26 AM

It wouldn't function. If it did, it would trigger a test.

DuckZi

02-27-2016, 10:26 AM #3

It wouldn't function. If it did, it would trigger a test.

FAZE_ASH2
Member

140

02-27-2016, 03:55 PM

You'll need to turn it on again after 30 or 90 days. It will remain inactive until you do so. This is similar to every Windows update from XP onwards.

FAZE_ASH2

02-27-2016, 03:55 PM #4

You'll need to turn it on again after 30 or 90 days. It will remain inactive until you do so. This is similar to every Windows update from XP onwards.

Durif
Member

125

02-29-2016, 05:34 PM

the only changes made were disabling certain functions, like the lock screen and a few other minor adjustments

Durif

02-29-2016, 05:34 PM #5

the only changes made were disabling certain functions, like the lock screen and a few other minor adjustments

Unmigrate
Senior Member

644

03-02-2016, 05:47 PM

I have used an unactivted version of windows 7 for months (unfortunately I can't find the key anymore) and i can assure you, it's maddening. It will deselect whatever window you're working on just to show the stupid activation notification at regular 10 minute intervals and make your background black. Seems acceptable, but trust me, it's horrible. Fortunately I later learned that it could be disabled, I don't know if it can be done with windows 8 though. The fun part is that if my copy of 7 had been pirated, that wouldn't have happened... -.-

Unmigrate

03-02-2016, 05:47 PM #6

Emidabliu
Junior Member

03-03-2016, 12:00 PM

Alternatively, you might employ a standard key for Win8.1 enterprise and simply restart the activation process via the command prompt. (This is permissible since it operates within the operating system's software limits and doesn't alter third-party code.)