Yes, Windows 10 requires a license for use.
Yes, Windows 10 requires a license for use.
I'm just discussing whether it's okay to be a thief or not, regardless of the consequences. Sure, it's an example for clarity. Piracy is piracy—if you're comfortable with that, it's your decision, but don't claim Windows is free software or anything like that. I emphasize this often: if you're just speculating and convinced, reach out to Microsoft, ask them directly, and share their official response here. After all, they own the product and decide its status.
Nobody is guessing anything, its a very simple and well established principle in contract law. They cannot contractually oblige you to do anything that they themselves provide the means to circumvent. Under contract law they cannot specify that its a breach of terms for you to run Windows without a license while simultaneously offering a method of running Windows without a license. I mean, they can say it, sure. They can also say users must wear yellow socks to run Windows as well. What they say and what they can enforce are not the same thing. If Microsoft ever decided to try and prosecute someone for running Windows 10 with no license they would not have a leg to stand on, they offer the means to do just that and they also removed features present in previous versions of Windows to prevent it. They cannot forbid it and facilitate it. A better example would be EMI offering songs for free download on their website with an EULA saying you can only download them if you bought them previously and then trying to prosecute anybody who actually downloaded them for piracy.
They should obtain a license because they can afford it. You’re thinking about purchasing a cheaper version from unofficial sources, but Microsoft doesn’t want that. They’ve told me these sites are unauthorized and selling stolen keys, which they don’t profit from. Whether you buy a low-cost key or use the software without a license, you’re violating the rules. It’s reasonable to expect enforcement against those who sell pirated versions.
Some keys could be stolen or obtained through illicit means. Others come from deceased OEMs, where resale is permitted and supported by German court rulings. My point is that you can be a pirate, a cheap person, or even a better individual. I don’t support using key resellers who sell items with little real value. Most of these are sold in bulk packs aimed at small businesses. MS still earns some revenue, though it’s minimal compared to reseller profits. If Windows is your main operating system, just purchase the key—there’s no compelling reason not to. And if your PC has a part worth around £300, you can afford its full OEM or retail cost. I’ve bought a Win Vista rescue disc with a key because my laptop had a worn sticker. That’s roughly what one would expect for the price of Vista at that time.