No product keys from Microsoft Imagine are guaranteed to last forever.
No product keys from Microsoft Imagine are guaranteed to last forever.
These keys typically remain valid indefinitely unless the vendor enforces a specific expiration policy. Regular product keys don’t usually have a set lifespan, but some software offers time-limited licenses for added security.
As long as your school keeps funding the subscription, none of your products will lose access. Keep in mind though, using them after you’ve left your institution violates the EULA. It’s not illegal per se, but it’s best to purchase licenses yourself or switch to companies that supply them once you’re finished with education.
Also, depending on the system your school uses, they might revoke keys for personal use. I haven’t seen this happen, but it’s something I’ve experienced with Dreamspark—possibly the same program now under a different name.
They operate the same way as a regular license for that product. For OS or other single-purchase items, it functions just like the usual product. It won't work on newer versions unless a free upgrade is available. If it's a yearly subscription, it's tied to your account—typically an institutional one—and will only function with that specific account.