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Last Updated on April 25, 2024

Page Content:
Can I install Windows 10 without a product key?
How to install Windows 10 without a product key
Bonus Tip: How to activate Windows 10 for free

Downloading and using Windows 10/11 without a product key offers several conveniences, such as creating multiple virtual machines, installing the OS, and running it on older computers that don't qualify for a free upgrade.

/Tools here to help you with all the relevant questions and provide the most detailed guide on how to install Windows 10 without product key.

Can I install Windows 10 without a product key?

Fortunately, you can easily install and use the Windows 10 operating system without a product key. Unlike with previous versions like Windows 7 or 8, Microsoft allows you to download and use Windows 10 without providing an account or a code.

Windows 10 is available in a free, permanent version. Many users need to install it when they upgrade their computer or SSD. The following is a common scenario from the Microsoft Community:

I'm helping a friend upgrade their pre-installed computer with an SSD, which originally came with Windows 8 and was upgraded to Windows 10 for free. How can I install Windows 10 on the SSD without entering a product key? You can follow these steps: 1. **Create a Windows 10 installation media:** - Visit Microsoft's official "Create Windows 10 installation media" page (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10). - Download and run the "Media Creation Tool." - Choose "Create installation media for another PC," then select the language, edition, and architecture (usually 64-bit) as prompted. - Choose to create a USB bootable drive or ISO image, depending on your preference. 2. **Set BIOS to boot from USB or DVD:** - Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, Delete, or another key specific to your computer model). - Locate the "Boot Order" or similar setting and set the USB or DVD drive as the first boot device. - Save the changes and exit; your computer will now boot from the installation media. 3. **Install Windows 10:** - Insert the Windows 10 installation media you created and begin the installation process. - When prompted for a product key, choose "I don't have a product key" or "Skip for now" (depending on the options in the installer). - Continue with the installation, selecting your desired settings, and wait for it to complete. 4. **Activate Windows 10:** - After the installation is finished, Windows 10 should activate automatically online since it's tied to the computer's hardware. - If activation doesn't occur automatically, you can check the status in "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Activation." If necessary, click "Change product key" to enter your friend's Windows 10 product key (if they have one) or contact Microsoft support to resolve any activation issues. Please note that if your friend's computer has already been upgraded to Windows 10 for free, it should have a digital license associated with it. The activation process should typically be seamless even after reinstalling the system.

Next, we will provide a step-by-step guide to download Windows 10. If you found this guide useful to install Windows 10 for free on your laptop/computer without product key, please do not forget to share it with others.

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How to Install Windows 10 Without a Product Key

This article will guide you through downloading and installing Windows 10 without a product key, or using the Windows 10 Download Tool to create a USB drive to install Windows 10, or download the ISO image.

Phase 1: Create the installation USB drive

First, download the Windows ISO file from Microsoft. Alternatively, you can choose to use the Partition Master Professional tool for one-click Windows ISO download and burn it to create installation USB media. This tool offers ISO burning capability and is considered the best software for creating installation media.

No expert knowledge required – just download and use!

< strong > Step 1. < /strong> Launch Partition Master and go to the “Boot Media Builder” section. Click “Burn ISO” and then click “Next.”

Select “Burn ISO” Select burn iso

Step 2: Select the ISO image you downloaded to your computer and click "Open."

Select ISO image to burn

Step 3. Click “Next,” select your USB drive as the destination, and click “Burn” to perform the operation.

If you don't have the ISO file, download the suitable Windows version in Step 2. Partition Master also allows you to install Windows without the Internet.

Step 2: Change the BIOS boot order

Next, change your BIOS boot order to boot from the installation media you just created, and prepare to install Windows.

Step 1. Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (Del/Esc/F10/F11) to enter the BIOS setup.

Step 2. Look for the Boot tab in the BIOS screen, and change the boot order.

Change BIOS Boot Order

Stage 3: Installing Windows 10 Without a Product Key

Once you have that set, boot from the installation USB, and follow the steps below to learn how to install and use Windows 10/11 without a product key:

Step 1: Boot from the USB drive, select your language, time and currency formats, and keyboard/input method, then click Next.

Step 2: Click Install Now.

Install now

If you don't have a product key, select I don't have a product key, and then click Next.

No product key

Step 4: In the next screen, choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” and proceed with a clean installation.

Select Only Install Windows

Step 5: Select a partition and drive to install Windows on, as prompted on the screen. Then, wait for the installation to finish.

Appendix: How to Activate Windows 10 for Free

It is legal to install Windows 10 without a product key, as Microsoft allows users to skip the activation process. However, an unactivated Windows may have some limitations, such as a watermark display or restrictions on certain changes. If you're satisfied with Windows, you can still purchase or activate it later.

There are three ways to activate Windows 10. You can activate the Windows operating system with or without a product key:

    1. Method 1: Through the Activation Wizard
    2. Method 2: Using KMSpico
    3. Method 3: Through Command Prompt

If you need a detailed guide on how to get a Windows 10 product key and activate Windows, this tutorial covers each step in depth:

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Activate Windows 10 for Free

How to Permanently Activate Windows 10 for Free

If you're wondering how to activate Windows 10 for free and permanently, enjoy its various features, follow this guide to learn the detailed steps to quickly activate Windows 10 on your computer. Read More >>

In fact, an unactivated copy of Windows 10 functions identically to an activated copy. If you can live with those limitations, you can install and use Windows 10 without a product key.

Last Words

In this article, we will delve into how to install and use Windows 10 without a product key. With the Partition Master tool, you can easily download the Windows ISO file and burn it automatically to create a Windows installation media with just one click. If you prefer not to use third-party software, Microsoft also provides an official channel for you to install Windows 10.

Then, you can follow the step-by-step guide in this article to learn how to install and activate Windows!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Installing Windows 10 Without a Product Key

It's very easy to install Windows 10 without a product key using Partition Master. If you have any other questions, refer to this section.

1. Can I install and use an unactivated copy of Windows 10?

Certainly, you can install and use the Windows 10 operating system without activation. Aside from the inability to customize certain elements like desktop backgrounds and colors in the Personalization settings, you can generally use the OS without any significant limitations.

2. How can I permanently activate Windows 10 for free without a product key?

Windows provides a built-in Command Prompt tool that can permanently activate your Windows system without requiring a product key. After opening the Command Prompt, enter the following keys:

    • slmgr.vbs /upk
    • slmgr /ipk
    • slmgr /skms zh.us.to
    • slmgr /ato
    These are command-line prompts for Windows activation. Here's a quick breakdown of each: 1. **slmgr.vbs /upk**: This command removes the product key from the system. It doesn't deactivate Windows; it just deletes the key info. 2. **slmgr /ipk**: You'd use this to input a new product key into the system. Substitute 'ipk' with the actual product key. 3. **slmgr /skms zh.us.to**: This sets the Key Management Service (KMS) server to 'zh.us.to'. KMS is used for volume activation of Windows in a corporate setting. If needed, replace it with your own legitimate KMS server. 4. **slmgr /ato**: This command activates Windows using the provided product key or the KMS server. /ato stands for 'Activate Office.' Remember, run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt (Run as Administrator). Also, using unauthorized KMS servers or product keys is illegal and violates Microsoft's licensing terms. Always use genuine software.

In addition, you can replace them with keys from Microsoft or keys you find on the Internet.

3. Can I get a free reinstall of Windows 10?

Of course, you can reinstall Windows 10 any time you like for free. When you upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10, the new operating system activates automatically online, with no product key required.

4. What happens if I install Windows 10 without a product key?

You can still install Windows without a product key, but there will be some limitations, such as the “Activate Windows” watermark on your desktop.

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