Steam Deck Windows 10 activation key

[sys64738]

I have Steam Deck.
If I install Windows 10, do I need activation key to use it?
(Somewhere I read that devices with smaller than 10 inches don't need activation key)

 

[The Catboy]

Pretty sure you are going to need to get a key. I’ve never heard of that policy before, ngl

 

[impeeza]

I have Steam Deck.
If I install Windows 10, do I need activation key to use it?
(Somewhere I read that devices with smaller than 10 inches don't need activation key)

For sure you are indeed needing a valid license to use Windows, some device are licensed by the manufactured so you will find a OEM License Tag on the device.
For Steam Deck you must to provide the license, there are sites which sell you OEM licenses for 20 or less USD.

I personally use GVG Mall, some discount URLs of my personal library:

Windows 10($16): https://biitt.ly/v2uAV
Win10 home($14): https://biitt.ly/ub6Mn
Office 2016($28): https://biitt.ly/iyuc0
Office 2019($49) : https://biitt.ly/a67gG
Windows pro+office 2019( 62$) : https://biitt.ly/GxXoZ
Windows pro+office 2016(40$) : https://biitt.ly/mvxOD

I do not receive payment nor sponsor the page, just is the page I do use for licenses.

That "lest 10" screen no license" comes from news like: https://onmsft.com/news/windows-10-9-remains-free-oems-anniversary-update/ but that requires the builder create a contract with MS and they will provide the license for 0 USD to consumer, once the device out of the factory without a license you as individual are not eligible to a free fee license, sorry.

 

[aarstar]

Is there much of a downside if you don't activate it? I thought there were just customization limitations or something.

 

[Marc_LFD]

Is there much of a downside if you don't activate it? I thought there were just customization limitations or something.

You can't customize it and so.

There are keys on eBay for around $1/$2 and it's probably the same ones sold on the website GVG Mall for $10+.

 

[impeeza]

You can't customize it and so.

There are keys on eBay for around $1/$2 and it's probably the same ones sold on the website GVG Mall for $10+.

Is there much of a downside if you don't activate it? I thought there were just customization limitations or something.

That's right after the grace period is over some functionalities like customization are restricted on the graphics interface, and some other technical behavior.

Legally is s grey area if you can mantain it un activated

 

[Marc_LFD]

I'd recommend Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, but for modern gaming you gotta go with the commercial editions instead (Home/Pro).

And then debloat that sucker.

 

[impeeza]

More information about Using Windows 10/11 without activation:

• https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...-windows/fac2a20c-a1d5-433c-8d7a-42ddc20724e2
• https://softwarekeep.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-don-t-activate-windows-10

By the way there is a free to use program called WinAeroTweaker which allows you to personalize all windows aspects disabled on the GUI by no activation, and lots of other tweaks on the OS, and even teach you how to do it manually editing the registry or files.

https://winaero.com/winaero-tweaker/

 

[spinal_cord]

I don't know what the long term effects will be, but what I did, was install windows 10 on the deck, then perform the upgrade to windows 11. When I check my settings it says that windows is correctly licensed.
I'll let you know in the future if it is true or not.

 

[impeeza]

I don't know what the long term effects will be, but what I did, was install windows 10 on the deck, then perform the upgrade to windows 11. When I check my settings it says that windows is correctly licensed.
I'll let you know in the future if it is true or not.

Its supposedly what for a short time every Windows 10 can be upgraded to Windows 11 at no cost, As far I know even after that time window passed Still you can , MS really want you to upgrade to Windows 11