How to get a license for Windows 10. Types of Windows licenses. How to get rid of the message “Your license is about to expire”

For those users who are a little unaware latest news about Windows 10, let us remind you that its release is scheduled for July 29. Microsoft has announced that owners of licensed versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will be able to install it completely free of charge. But the numerous owners pirated copies, according to Microsoft, they will not be able to activate Windows 10.

However, on June 19, Windows Insider program manager Gabriel Aul published a blog entry regarding changes to the operating system testing process. Among other things, he wrote that all users participating in Windows program Insiders and those with a Microsoft account will be able to get a free license Windows version 10.

If you are using a test build as part of the Insider Preview program and have linked it to your MSA (Microsoft Account) account that you used when registering for the test program, you will receive final version Windows 10 is free in activated mode. After installing and activating the final release, you can later perform a clean installation of the system if you want to start from scratch.

Gabriel Aul

What does this mean and what actions do you need to take if you want to get Windows 10 for free, but have licensed copy Can't boast about Windows?

If you haven't already done so, create a Microsoft account. This can be done.
Register for the Pre-Program Windows ratings(Windows Insider Preview). Use the Microsoft account you created earlier for this.
Download Windows 10 Insider Preview from this page. Please note that download times for test builds of Windows 10 will likely be limited by the release date of the final version. So you should hurry up!
When installing and pre-setting systems, be sure to use the same account Microsoft entry, which was used when registering for Windows Insider. This is necessary so that a license for Windows 10 is linked to your account, which will allow you to activate the final version of the system on July 29 or later. Please note that there is also a hardware lock, so install multiple copies of Windows 10 on different computers will not work.

Will you install Windows 10 if you actually get it completely free?

Windows 10 Enterprise

There are two base offerings for Windows 10 Enterprise: Windows 10 Enterprise E3 and Windows 10 Enterprise E5. Both can be purchased on a per-device or per-user basis. They are only available under Volume Licensing.

Windows 10 Enterprise E3

Windows 10 Enterprise E3 offers access to Windows 10 Enterprise and includes advanced protection against advanced security threats, multiple operating system deployment and upgrade options, and comprehensive device and app management. Some Volume Licensing programs offer Windows 10 Enterprise E3 with Software Assurance.

Windows 10 Enterprise E5

Windows 10 Enterprise E5 is the latest offering for customers who want all the benefits of E3, plus Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) in Windows Defender is a new service that helps enterprises detect, investigate, and respond to complex attacks on their networks.

Windows Defender ATP service, which builds on existing tools Windows security 10, adds to the Windows 10 security stack new level, which is designed to handle threats that have already entered the environment. By combining the client technologies built into Windows 10 with a powerful cloud service, the tool helps enterprises discover threats that have successfully traversed other defense lines, understand how endpoints were affected, and get recommendations on how to respond.

Software Assurance for Windows

Windows Software Assurance licensing per device

You can license Software Assurance for Windows on a device as follows:

When you purchase a license to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise through the Volume Licensing program, you can also purchase Software Assurance for that license.
To access Software Assurance benefits for Windows when using devices (such as thin clients) that do not qualify for the program, you can purchase a VDA subscription for Windows.

Software Assurance licensing for Windows per user

When licensing Windows Enterprise per user, there are 3 options: Windows 10 Enterprise E3, Windows 10 Enterprise E5, and VDA for Windows. This allows companies to tailor Windows licensing to their users, choosing the most flexible way to deploy and access the OS on various devices, as well as simplify licensing and Windows management. User licensing helps you:

provide employees with access to Windows Enterprise on any device;
choose in which format to provide the operating system - locally, using virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or Windows To Go*;
simplify licensing by counting users instead of counting all their different devices, and implement Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) without having to waste time keeping track of all devices and licenses.

Get additional help choosing the right per-user or more licensing option detailed description Access rights to Windows Enterprise and other Software Assurance benefits can be found in (PDF, 959 KB).

Windows 10 Enterprise

Windows 10 Enterprise E3

Windows 10 Enterprise E5

Windows Defender ATP, which builds on existing Windows 10 security features, adds a new layer to the Windows 10 security stack that is designed to handle threats already in the environment. By combining the client technologies built into Windows 10 with a powerful cloud service, the tool helps enterprises discover threats that have successfully traversed other defense lines, understand how endpoints were affected, and get recommendations on how to respond.

Software Assurance for Windows

Windows Software Assurance licensing per device

You can license Software Assurance for Windows on a device as follows:

When you purchase a license to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise through the Volume Licensing program, you can also purchase Software Assurance for that license.
To access the benefits of Software Assurance for Windows when using devices (such as thin clients) that do not qualify for the program, you can purchase a VDA for Windows subscription.

Software Assurance licensing for Windows per user

When licensing Windows Enterprise per user, there are 3 options: Windows 10 Enterprise E3, Windows 10 Enterprise E5, and VDA for Windows. This allows companies to tailor Windows licensing to their users, choose the most flexible way to deploy and access the OS on different devices, and simplify Windows licensing and management. User licensing helps you:

provide employees with access to Windows Enterprise on any device;
choose in which format to provide the operating system - locally, using virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or Windows To Go*;
simplify licensing by counting users instead of counting all their different devices, and implement Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) without having to waste time keeping track of all devices and licenses.

For more help choosing the right user licensing option and a more detailed description of access rights to Windows Enterprise and other Software Assurance benefits, see (PDF, 959 KB).

PC users have heard about the release of a new OS Microsoft Windows 10, there are also those who managed to update their device to it on their own or with the help of competent friends. Despite criticism over privacy, initial glitches and lack of drivers, it is a very balanced and optimized system.

The material below will help you understand how to install Windows 10 on a computer (any one, from a tablet to a desktop PC). All stages are described here Windows installations 10 and its activation through a previously obtained digital license.

Why is “ten” better?

Experiments on rather weak PCs show that the optimized 32-bit “ten” shows better performance than the OS before it. And this can be seen when working with office packages, and when surfing the web. If you have a “light” third-party or standard antivirus (provides good basic protection) Windows 10 64-bit edition shows higher performance than version 8.1 or 7.

However, the benefits will be appreciated only by those who have installed this OS and configured it properly. Users, having read negative comments since 2015, fundamentally do not install this operating system, but now it is the best that Microsoft has.

Proper installation of Windows 10 from scratch allows you to get a stable and functional system even on a very weak device. This system has the same hardware requirements as Windows Vista, that is, all mid-priced PCs from 2006 (with dual-core processors and 2 GB of RAM) will work well on it.

To ensure that the gradual transition to a new OS is completed correctly, without losing your license and user data, you should follow the upgrade instructions.

Switch to Windows 10 while maintaining your license

Despite the fact that it was possible to upgrade to “ten” for free only until July 2016, many users can make the transition now, and without purchasing a new OS.

Thanks to the fact that Microsoft is using a new type of license - digital (starting from Windows 8), users have the opportunity to activate the “top ten” using their keys from older systems (Windows 7 and 8.1).

This method does not always work, but it’s worth a try: when installing from scratch, enter the key from the old version.

Perhaps, during the process of “forced transition” in 2015-2016, your computer was already updated to 10, if so, then the license was saved on the corporation’s servers and you were “remembered”. Even if you then “rolled back” to the old version, you can reinstall ten and automatically receive a license (the Internet must be turned on).

But how to install Windows 10 on a laptop with a license if the above steps were not taken? The easiest way to do this is to use a program for people with disabilities. Formally, no one will check your “limitations”; the wording of this concept is very vague, but the license comes (the main thing is that you have an official OS before this).

Is the update scary?

Many users know from experience the “features” of Windows when upgrading from older to new versions (usually accompanied by “glitches” and freezes). Here Microsoft has no changes - as before, full installation Windows 10 is preferable to updating (corporate employees write about this directly). However, the update is a must if you want to properly upgrade to the OS and get the license. The unpleasant procedure can be carried out only once in order for the corporation to enter your device into its database. All subsequent installations will receive a digital license automatically.

Don't know how to switch to a new OS? First, get a license or find a cracker, although its use violates the law. Remember, you need to switch only after thoroughly saving your data. When updating, all programs and files will be saved, but it is better to play it safe, since the “updated” OS works much worse than the one installed completely. Theoretically, the system can help itself by removing old version OS and spending automatic cleaning. But, as a rule, the performance of this version is still unsatisfactory.

Reasons for unsuccessful installation of Windows 10

Users often have difficulties, such as “I can’t install the system, drivers, program”, “I want to switch to another edition of my operating system (for example, from 32 to 64 bit)”, etc. Problems can be adequately solved only with experience or good instructions. During a clean installation of another edition of the system, the license is attached automatically. Problems with installation are associated either with bad installation media (flash drive, DVD), or with an incompletely downloaded, “broken” OS image, or unofficial drivers. These are the reasons why it was not possible to install Windows 10 on a PC.

Although there are rare cases of incompatibility, for example, on a laptop with a single-core processor the system will not install at all.

To install Windows 10 from scratch, you need to take into account a number of factors: you must have a dual-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz, 1, or better yet, 2 GB of RAM and a drive of 20 GB or more. It is better to install 32-bit Windows on weak laptops and desktop PCs, otherwise working on them will be difficult. Although there is information on the Internet that some people managed to install ten on a Pentium 4 with 1GB of RAM, it is impossible to work on such a weak machine.

Where can I get the installation disk?

Initially, in order to install Win 10 without problems, you need to download its image from the corporation’s website. You can use the MediaCreationTool utility, which will not only download the latest edition among all the “dozens,” but will also help automatically create bootable USB flash drive or burn the image to a DVD. It is with the help of this utility that automatic installation Windows 10, although there is another way. The same utility or a separate website of the corporation will only help you download the “system image” in the ISO standard, which you will then write to your media third party applications. If earlier (Windows XP-8.1) this method was preferable, now, with constant updates to the “dozens”, it loses its meaning. It is not advisable to store the image for a long time; in the case of the “ten” it becomes outdated too quickly. If, nevertheless, you downloaded the image, then the UltraISO program will help you burn it onto installation media without any problems. There are other programs, there are plenty of them on the Internet, but this one, even in the trial version, allows you to perform all operations quickly, without restrictions, without violating the law.

System installation steps

As soon as the image is correctly downloaded and recorded on the installation media, proceed to installing the system. It is preferable to use a flash drive; with it, installing Windows 10 on a laptop or desktop PC is faster.

To begin with, you should set the boot order of the drives in the PC BIOS. To do this, when you start the computer, press F11 or F12, the boot menu will launch, in which you can select the boot order once. This method is the simplest: select the drive with the system (keyboard arrows) and agree by pressing Enter. Next, the system will reboot and boot from your drive. On Win 10 step by step installation no different from Vista-8.1 systems. You will need to select “System installation” - “Clean, for advanced users” in the menu, then a menu with disks will appear. It is advisable to format drive C and select it for installation by highlighting and clicking “Format”, then click “Next”. Next you will have to wait for the installation process. At the very end, you will be asked to connect to the Internet and enter your Microsoft account information.

Improving privacy on Win 10

In a civilized world, it is quite normal to want freedom and maintain privacy, so users often configure their “ten” so as to share less of their secrets with Microsoft. To do this, at the final stage of installation, they select the advanced privacy setting (do not select “Default”). By selecting the “advanced option” you can disable almost all spying tasks. It is also advisable not to enter your email or create a corporate account. After all, you can switch to Windows 10 from local. If you plan to deeply integrate Microsoft services, use the Store, Outlook, MS Office 365 and other applications or synchronize with Windows Phone, then you will definitely need Account from Microsoft.

Registration there is quick, you need an email and a phone number or just the phone itself, the corporation will offer its email.

As soon as Windows installed will gain access to the network, it will be automatically activated. If you have not previously obtained a digital license (via purchase or upgrade from Win 7 or 8.1), you will need a 25-character license key. It can be purchased from official Microsoft dealers.

How to activate Windows

Installing Windows 10 pro or home versions is not a problem; it is difficult to find a license if you don’t have one and don’t have the money to buy it. You can use the non-activated version. However, constant reminders and cyclical reboots will make the work unbearable. Trial test or corporate versions are also not an option, as they have many problems.

If you didn't have a license initially, there is an option that allows you to get a license for the new OS. You can buy a cheaper Win7 disk and use the program for people with disabilities to upgrade to Win 10. In 2015, it was even possible to install with a license after a pirated OS.

On this moment The method is not always implemented and not on all activators, and it is illegal.

The safest way is to use the “gray” method and install Windows 10 on a laptop after activation through a program for people with disabilities (it works without time restrictions and does not require proof of disability). You will need to spend time updating (lots of traffic, hard drive space), but you will receive a license forever.

Use the tool to upgrade this PC to Windows 10 (click to show or hide more details)
These instructions can be used in the following cases:
- You have a license to install Windows 10 and are upgrading your computer's operating system from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1.
- You need to reinstall Windows 10 on a computer where this OS has already been successfully activated.
If you're installing Windows 10 on a computer running Windows XP or Windows Vista, or need to create Windows 10 installation media on another computer, see the section below.
Note. Before you install Windows 10, make sure your computer is compliant for Windows 10. We also recommend visiting your computer manufacturer's website for more information about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
1. Click Download the tool, and then - Launch
2. If you agree to the terms license agreement On the page License terms, press Accept.
3. On the page What do you want to do? select Upgrade this PC now and then click Further.
4. When Windows 10 is ready to install, you'll see information about your selections and which features will be retained during the upgrade. Click Change components selected for saving and select the right option: Keep personal files and applications, Keep only my personal files or Nothing.
5. Save and close everything open applications and files, and when you're ready, click Install.
6. Installing Windows 10 may take some time, during which your computer will restart several times. Don't turn off your computer.

Use the installation media creation tool (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on another computer (click to show or hide more details)

Follow these steps to create installation media (USB flash drive or DVD) that you can use to install a new copy of Windows 10, perform a clean install, or reinstall Windows 10.

Before installing the tool, make sure you have:

Internet connection (Internet service provider may charge a service fee).
Enough free space on a computer disk, USB device or external storage device.
Empty A USB flash drive of at least 8 GB or a blank DVD (and a DVD burner) if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB drive or blank DVD as all content will be erased.
When you burn an ISO file to a DVD, if you receive a message that the disc image file is too large, you must use a dual layer (DL) DVD.

Check the specifications of the computer on which you want to install Windows 10:

64-bit or 32-bit processor (CPU). You will create a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 10. To check this computer feature, go to Computer information in computer settings or System System type.
System requirements. Make sure your computer is compliant for Windows 10. We also recommend visiting your computer manufacturer's website for more information about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
Windows language. When installing Windows 10, you will need to select the same language. To find out which language is currently in use, go to Time and language in computer settings or Region in the control panel.
Windows edition. You will also need to select the same edition of Windows. To find out which edition you are using, go to Computer information in computer settings or System in Control Panel and find Windows edition. Windows 10 Enterprise is not available in the media creation tool. You can find out more about this at.
Products Microsoft Office . If you just purchased a new device that has Office 365 installed, we recommend that you activate (install) Office before upgrading to Windows 10. For information about activating your copy of Office, see Download and install Office 365 Home, Office 365 Personal, or Office 365 Student . For more information, see Upgrade to Windows 10 on new devices that include Office 365.

If you have Office 2010 or earlier and want to clean install Windows 10, you'll need to find your Office product key. For tips on finding your product key, see Find your product key for Office 2010 or Enter your product key for your 2007 Office program.

Create installation media using the tool:

Click Download the tool now, and then - Launch. Administrator rights are required to run this tool.
If you agree to the terms of the license agreement, click Accept.
On the page What do you want to do? select Create installation media for another computer and then click Further.

Choose your Windows 10 language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). The table below will help you decide which edition of Windows 10 to install.

Current edition of Windows	Windows 10 release
Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Home Basic Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 8/8.1 Windows 8.1 with Bing Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Pro Windows 8/8.1 Professional with Media Center Windows 8/8.1 Single Language Windows 8 Single Language with Bing Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro	Windows 10
Windows 8/8.1 Chinese Language Edition Windows 8 Chinese Language Edition with Bing	Windows 10 Home China

Select the desired media:
Once you have created your installation media, follow the instructions below to use it.
After completing the Windows 10 installation, please make sure that you have all the necessary device drivers installed. To check for updates, click the Start button, click Settings > Update & Security > Center Windows updates and select "Check for updates". You can also visit the website technical support your device manufacturer to download any additional drivers that may be needed.
Note. Drivers for Surface devices are available on the page.

Using the installation media you created (click to show or hide more details)
Before installing Windows 10, it is recommended that you save all necessary data and create backup copy computer. If you downloaded the Windows 10 ISO file using the media creation tool, you'll need to burn it to a DVD before following the steps below.
1. Connect a USB flash drive or insert a DVD into the computer where you want to install Windows 10.
2. Restart your PC.
  If your PC does not boot automatically from a bootable USB drive or DVD, you may need to open the boot menu or change the boot order in BIOS settings or UEFI. To open the boot menu or change the boot order, you typically need to press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) immediately after powering on your PC. For instructions on accessing the boot menu or changing the boot order of your PC, see the documentation that came with your PC or the manufacturer's website. If you don't see a USB drive or DVD in your list of boot options, you may need to contact your PC manufacturer for instructions on how to temporarily disable the mode. secure boot in BIOS settings.
  If changing the boot menu or boot order doesn't work and the PC immediately boots into the operating system you want to replace, it's possible that the PC wasn't completely shut down. To ensure your PC is completely shut down, press the Power button on the login screen or Start menu and select Shut Down.
3. On the page Windows installation select your language, time, and keyboard options, and then click Further.
4. Select Install Windows.
More methods for using an ISO file to install Windows 10 (click to show or hide more details)
If you downloaded the Windows 10 ISO file, it is saved in the folder you specified on local computer. If your computer has third party program For the DVD burner you want to use to create the installation DVD, open the folder where you saved the file and double-click the ISO file or right-click it, select To open with, and then select your preferred program.
To create an installation DVD using the Windows Image Burner, open the folder where you saved the ISO file. Right-click the ISO file and select Properties. On the General tab, click Change and select Windows Explorer as a program to open ISO files, and then click Apply. Then right-click the ISO file and select Burn disk image.
To install Windows 10 directly from an ISO file without using a DVD or flash drive, you can mount the ISO file. At the same time, the current operating system will be updated to Windows 10.