Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation

Microsoft offers a free trial of the Windows 10 Enterprise evaluation edition, allowing users to experience the full features of the enterprise version for 90 days. This guide will walk you through the steps to activate your Windows 10 Enterprise evaluation effectively. By following these instructions, you can ensure a seamless activation process and make the most of your evaluation period.

Install Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation

To begin, you need to download and install the Windows 10 Enterprise evaluation edition from the Microsoft website. This trial version is specifically designed for evaluation purposes and can be used for 90 days (Note that the evaluation version is typically valid for 90 days, after which you will need to upgrade to a full version for continued use).

Obtain a Product Key

Note that for the evaluation version, you generally do not need a product key during installation. However, if you intend to convert your evaluation version into a full version, you will need a valid Windows 10 Enterprise product key. You can obtain this from the Microsoft website.

Open Activation Settings

Once your evaluation copy of Windows 10 is installed, you can activate it by following these steps:

Go to the Settings app. Select Update Security. Click on Activation.

Activate Windows

If you have a product key, you can activate your Windows 10 Enterprise evaluation by following these steps:

Click on Change product key. Enter the key and follow the prompts to complete the activation process.

After attempting activation, you can check your activation status by returning to the Activation settings menu.

Troubleshoot Activation Issues

If you face any issues during the activation process, you can use the Troubleshoot option in the Activation settings menu to resolve common problems.

Remember, the Windows 10 Enterprise evaluation version is typically valid for 90 days. After this period, you will need to upgrade to a full version for continued use. Ensure your device is connected to the internet during the activation process.

Additional Information

Maryland-based enterprises belong to the largest category of SMBs and are often overlooked when it comes to getting a trial version of Windows 10. Microsoft offers two different versions of Windows 10 Enterprise for evaluation—Enterprise and LTSC. The standard Enterprise edition is identical to the Pro version with the same features, while LTSC (Long-term Servicing Channel) omits more consumer-oriented features and doesn't receive frequent updates. For most users, the regular Enterprise edition is the better choice and should be selected. A video tutorial can be found alongside this guide to provide a step-by-step visual guide to activating Windows 10.

To download the free Windows 10 Enterprise 90-day trial edition, go to Microsoft's TechNet Evaluation Center. Sign in with your Microsoft account, and follow the prompts to select the version of Windows 10 you want (32-bit or 64-bit) and your preferred language. The ISO file will then be available for download. Depending on your needs, you can install it in a virtual machine, on a spare PC, or as part of a dual-boot setup.