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I have a computer which I can initially connect to the Internet for activation, but would like to use in an offline setting after that. I can't find whether my activation is valid forever, or if it needs renewal. The activation FAQ does not mention it. The only relevant thing I read on Reddit is that illegal KMS activators for Windows 10 need to keep running in order to keep the system believing it's legally activated.

I have a valid license and have not / will not use such an activator, but this sparks the question: Is this because of something like Windows Update which connects to the Internet regularly, after which the system finds it's not genuine, does Windows 10 require an Internet connection regularly to keep checking its license or does such an 'activator' simply extend the trial/grace period over and over again (which would not apply to me)?

My specific Windows version is Education, in case that makes a difference.

This question sounds similar, but is about "... if I [never] connect to the Internet", whereas I can initially do that.

I say Reinstate Monica
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Luc
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1 Answers1

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Unless you have activated using KMS, you do not need to periodically reconnect to the Internet to maintain Windows 10's activation. I think Microsoft's silence on this fact is simply due to there not being any such requirement.

Keep in mind that not connecting to the Internet means you won't get any security updates. This will leave your machine vulnerable to threats it may come into contact with, such as those transmitted by portable flash drives. For an interesting read on how offline computers can still be subject to attack see Wikipedia's article on the Stuxnet worm.

I say Reinstate Monica
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