What does the Windows 11 trial version involve?

Windows 11 “trial version” means that Windows isn’t activated with a valid licence (or that it was installed with a non-permanent key). In practice, the PC works, but Microsoft considers you to be in evaluation mode.

How do you recognise it?

• “Activate Windows” message in the bottom-right corner.
• In Settings → System → Activation, you’ll see “Windows is not activated” or a note related to an evaluation licence.

Is it serious?

No, it’s not dangerous. But it’s limited:

• You can keep Windows, install games, work, etc.
• On the other hand, you may have customisation restrictions (wallpaper, themes, colours), and the watermark may remain.
• Some business/management features (depending on editions) may be blocked.

Why does this happen?

• Windows was installed without a product key (very common on a brand-new assembled PC).
• The key entered is invalid, already used, or doesn’t match the edition (Home/Pro).
• You’re on an “evaluation” edition (less common, especially in business environments).

How to fix it (quickly)?

1. Settings → System → Activation
2. Click on Change product key
3. Enter a valid Windows 11 Home/Pro key
   (or sign in with the Microsoft account that owns the licence if it’s a digital licence)

FlowUP tip / assembled PC

If you’ve bought a pre-built PC, the operating system note often says “Windows 11 trial version”. That simply means Windows isn’t activated: everything works normally without a time limit, except for a slight customisation restriction (like the wallpaper, but it’s easily worked around) and, of course, the slightly annoying watermark in the bottom-right corner.

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