Windows 10: Build 10240 - Any expiry on ACTIVATED versions??

I think so yes, I haven't seen anything to say otherwise? If nothing happens after the 29th, just opt out and see what happens. See this post, Windows 10 Build 10240 for PC is now available

 

Couldn't find a MS reference, but Shawn is trustworthy - I'm sure he knows where MS stashed the information (a blog, a Developer subscription, an RSS feed, MS engineer on MS forums....)

 

Just tested clean install of 10240, windows 10 won't accept the key but the is most likely a windows 10 upgrade preview key. Next test is to do what @Rocky did and see if the key changes and then allow a clean install

 

Hi there

What happens then if you boot up NOT connected to the internet -- in this case I can't see any way the activation status could change. Also on the EULA there's no requirement for you to have an Internet connection at all in order to run Windows. The only legal requirement is that Windows must be initially licensed (activated) one time until it detects sufficient changes that require another activation --significant hardware change for example in which case Windows will prompt you to re-activate.

If I'm on a project in the middle of the Gobi desert for example I can't keep connecting to the Internet every 5 mins. !!!!

Also you could also insert rules into your firewall or router to prevent connections to the Microsoft servers after you've initially activated and only allow again if you need updates.

Cheers
jimbo

 

I don't know Jimbo, all I know is Microsoft can deactivate your PC if they want. Activation is not permanent. Just look at the "My PC shows as not activated now" posts. I guess it could be if that PC never connects to the Internet but how practical is that. All I'm saying is don't read to much into that Permanently Activated prompt.

 

Actually there is one case Microsoft can't deactivate a key without causing an uproar. That windows 7 sp1 dell system they have an oem-slp key. Don't know how windows 10 will handle the oem-slp key. Dell forums/blogs claims the oem-slp key will be able to upgrade fine without issue but might have an issue doing a clean install after the upgrade.

 

Those systems don't activate online so Microsoft can't deactivate them. The worst they can do is flag them "all" as non genuine. It's the same deal with any factory OEM install of Windows 7. I didn't say it but I was talking about Windows 8/10, not Windows 7.

 

Windows build 10240 is still an insider preview build without the watermark, to continue using it you must remain an insider, once and if you discontinue being an insider the license for that build will be terminated also.

So yes, essentially you could use it indefinitely just so long as you remain an insider, just beware that it will also receive Windows updates before the mainstream which means your system could be potentially unstable due to those updates until MS works out the bugs for the mainstream users. So using it for your main system would be highly not recommended, but that's up to you if you like losing data.

Just remember, once you discontinue being an insider your license for the preview build also becomes invalid.

 

Just out of curiosity .. do you have links to verify this?

 

edee,

That doesn't fit because if that was the case Rocky would have an expiration date after leaving the insider program. Keep in mind Gabe said you can leave the insider program anytime if you upgrade from windows 7 sp1 or 8.1 and windows 10 will remain activated otherwise you have to roll back. If you go by what you said, everybody that wants to leave the insider program would have to put windows 7 sp1 or windows 8.1 then upgrade like everyone else.

Another thing,
A lot of news site consider 10240 an rtm release including Microsoft forums.

 

There must be many people out there who want Microsoft's OS on their computer but absolutely wants nothing to do with the Internet. There isn't a modem or router anywhere near them.

 

http://news.thewindowsclub.com/micro...e-offer-78946/

I should have added also if you don't have a qualifying version of Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 , an insider running a non qualifying version of Windows once they discontinue being an insider their insider preview will eventually expire also and will need to purchase a Windows 10 license.

It may be considered by many to be an RTM version but this version (10240) is ONLY available through Windows Update, there is no ISO file to download, Microsoft is not making available the ISO file, even to insiders, If you do have an ISO file it is home made, it was not from Microsoft.

Listen, I know there are a lot of people looking for a loophole in a way to get a free final version of 10 without having a qualifying version of 7 / 8 / 8.1 but like I said, I would not make it my main OS because I can say with all certainty that if you do not have a qualifying OS or if you are not a Windows insider eventually your license will not work, how long that will take is anyone's guess.

 

You can leave anytime after the 29th and remain activated. If you do so before the final release, activation will time out as you will still be running a preview build, and you will have to go back to your previous OS. Any build other than 10240 will time out for sure if you opt out. 10240? I'll believe its RTM when somebody from Microsoft, like Gabe, officially says so.

 

@edee @alphanumeric

That not what Rocky did. He upgraded from a qualifying windows version. Instead of waiting tell the 29th, once he upgrade to build 10240. He left the insider program and the build remain activated with no expiration date. I would sure call that an RTM.

I was not implying a way to get free windows 10 without a qualifying version.

 

if Rocky has a qualifying version of 7 / 8 OR 8.1 or he/she is an insider then yes it will remain activated, if not the license will expire without a qualifying version or without being an insider, I can say that with all certainty, IF by some chance it remains activated without one or both options mentioned above being true it was done illegally.

FYI - even though 10240 is being considered an RTM version there are going to be updates to it right up until release day, so actually the final RTM will not be until the final update before release.