Many PC users who are still running Windows 7 looking to upgrade to Windows 10 as the Windows 7 end of support is fast approaching (see our can you use Windows 7 after Jan 14, 2020).
A PC user who is currently running Windows 7 recently asked us if it’s possible to install Windows 10 without entering a product key so that he can try it for some time before buying a Windows 10 license.
In this guide, we will see how to legally install Windows 10 without entering a product key during installation.
Is it possible to install Windows 10 without a product key?
Yes, it’s very much possible to install Windows 10 on a PC without entering an activation key. In fact, it’s legally possible to install Windows 10 without keying in a valid product key as Windows 10 setup offers a provision to complete the Windows 10 installation without entering a product key.
But installing Windows 10 successfully without a product key won’t automatically activate your copy of Windows 10 unless a legal product key (OEM product key) is found in the BIOS or you are reinstalling the Windows 10 on a PC where Windows 10 was previously installed and activated. And when you are using a Windows 10 without activation, some features are disabled. So, you will have to activate Windows 10 by entering a valid product key in order to use all the features of the operating system.
Installing Windows 10 without a product key
Here is how to install Windows 10 without entering a product key.
Step 1: Start installing Windows 10 from a bootable media.
Step 2: When you get the following screen asking you to enter a product key, click the I don’t have a product key link to continue installing Windows 10 without a product key.
Once the installation is completed, you can enter a valid product key to activate your copy of Windows 10. Note that you won’t need a product key if the same edition of Windows 10 was installed and activated previously on the same computer. In that case, your Windows 10 install will be automatically activated once it’s connected to an internet connection.
Refer to our how to reinstall Windows 10 without losing the activation license article for more information about reinstalling Windows 10 without a product key.
