Windows 10 Media Installation Tool

meer23 · Feb 25, 2017

Hello, so I was wondering what the windows 10 media creation tool is that is linked here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Some friends and me got into a heated debate, because according to them you can apparently get a free download for windows 10, including the product key. Is this true? I am just wondering what is the real purpose of this tool? Thanks for your time.

USAFRet · Feb 25, 2017

meer23 :

That allows you to create a DVD or USB install for your PC.
It does not include a 'free' license key.

meer23 · Feb 25, 2017

USAFRet :

Forgive me for my lack of knowledge on OS, but by creating a DVD or USB install for your PC does that mean you must have already bought a licensed Windows 10 in any form, then that system is used as a way to transfer whatever form you bought it in into a disc or USB? If this is the case than it is in no way a free form of obtaining Windows 10 I would think. If you could just give me a brief explanation on how it works that would be great, thanks.

USAFRet · Feb 25, 2017

meer23 :

With a Windows OS, the license key is what costs.
The install media is freely available.

When you install, it asks for the license key. With Win 10, you can skip that, and run 'unactivated'. You lose some functionality.
With Windows 8.1, you can download the install ISO file here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
Install, and it will run for 30 days unactivated before it ceases to operate properly
Win Windows 7, you can download the ISO file here, but you must have a valid license key to access that downlaod: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

Again...that MediaCreation tool simply assists you in creating your own install file. It is NOT a 'free license'.

meer23 · Feb 25, 2017

USAFRet :

meer23 :

With a Windows OS, the license key is what costs.
The install media is freely available.

When you install, it asks for the license key. With Win 10, you can skip that, and run 'unactivated'. You lose some functionality.
With Windows 8.1, you can download the install ISO file here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
Install, and it will run for 30 days unactivated before it ceases to operate properly
Win Windows 7, you can download the ISO file here, but you must have a valid license key to access that downlaod: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

Again...that MediaCreation tool simply assists you in creating your own install file. It is NOT a 'free license'.

But when I built my PC, I installed windows 10 of a USB I bought, and when installing it it forced me to give the key over, and there was no way around it, so how is that possible that from what you are saying, you can still run windows 10 even without putting the activation key in. But my main point is with nothing at all, is it possible to just install the media creation tool and somehow be able to download windows 10 completely free? Thank you for the answers.

USAFRet · Feb 25, 2017

meer23 :

Sort of.

That MediaCreation tool will download and burn to DVD or USB the Win 10 install files needed for a complete install.
Boot from DVD or USB and start the install process.

When you install, it will ask for the license key. Big space right in the middle of that window.
At the bottom of that window, in a small font, there is a clicky that says "I don't have a product key".
Click that, and you can proceed on.
Of course...this install will remain totally unactivated until you do purchase and enter a valid license key.

meer23 · Feb 25, 2017

USAFRet :

meer23 :

Sort of.

That MediaCreation tool will download and burn to DVD or USB the Win 10 install files needed for a complete install.
Boot from DVD or USB and start the install process.

When you install, it will ask for the license key. Big space right in the middle of that window.
At the bottom of that window, in a small font, there is a clicky that says "I don't have a product key".
Click that, and you can proceed on.
Of course...this install will remain totally unactivated until you do purchase and enter a valid license key.

Ok, I think I understand, thank you for your time, but one more thing, what exactly are the consequences for no entering a product key? Like what disadvantages comes with not putting the key in?

USAFRet · Feb 25, 2017

meer23 :

I have an unactivated Win 10 Pro instance running in a VirtualMachine, just as a test for this very thing.
Installed on Dec 8 2016. Every couple of days I crank it up and see if anything has changed, and to run whatever updates are needed.

You lose out on Personalization. No changing the wallpaper, no modifying the Taskbar, stuff like that. There may be other things I have yet to discover.
It runs, but it is annoying.
And who knows for how long...

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