While having an unactivated version is not illegal, it does come with certain limitations.
Activation is an essential process when downloading and installing any new version of Windows.
It is key to unlocking all of its features and making it as secure and reliable as possible.
Can You Use Windows 11 Without Activation?
This way, users can use Windows 11 OS on their system for free forever.
However, note that if you dont activate Windows 11, some features will be disabled and limited.
You wont get access to personalization options like changing the wallpaper or themes.
Moreover, the system performance may also be impacted due to a lack of updates and security patches.
It is important to understand these risks before you decide to go down this path.
Security Risks
Microsoft regularly provides security patches to keep your OS and data safe.
However, suppose you dont activate your Windows 11 with a genuine license key.
An outdated system means there wont be any proactive protection against the latest threats.
Lack of Personalization and Customization
Activating Windows 11 will also unlock full customization and personalization options.
Without activation, you wont be able to make any changes to the existing themes and wallpapers.
Moreover, you wont be able to install new ones either.
Here is what you wont be able to customize on an unlicensed Windows 11:
3.
This watermark states, Activate Windows Go to options to activate Windows.
Frequent Reminders to Activate Windows
Another annoyance is the frequent reminders to activate Windows 11.
Without activation, you will get time-to-time pop-up messages from Microsoft that prompt you to activate Windows 11.
This can be quite annoying and distracting.
Unlike the Activate Windows watermark, there are no workarounds to stop these notifications from coming.
The only option is to activate the Windows.
If you are running Windows 11 without activation, you wont be able to join this program.
Although it is legal to install and use unlicensed Windows 11, that is only for personal use.
Therefore, it’s advisable to activate Windows 11 with a valid license key.
Moreover, you wont be able to join the Windows Insider Program.
No, there is no permanent solution to remove this watermark without activation.
There are some unofficial ways, but they might not work for all versions of Windows 11.
Yes, you’re free to use the free version of Windows 11 forever.
However, without activation, you wont have access to all the features and updates.
Summing Up
It is clear that using unlicensed Windows 11 can have many drawbacks.
Moreover, double-check topurchase the Windows 11 licensefrom an authorized seller to avoid legal issues.