What a “lifetime” Windows licence really means
Lifetime means no subscription and no expiry date. It has limits you should know.
What it means
You pay once and keep the right to use that version.
Three limits
- Updates last only as long as the version is supported.
- OEM licences live and die with the PC.
- One licence is for one PC at a time.
How it differs from a subscription
Microsoft 365 stops when you stop paying. Windows does not.
How to check activation is permanent
slmgr /xpr should say “permanently activated”.
When it can stop working
A major hardware change on OEM, or a key revoked as fraudulent.
Do I have to pay again for new versions?
Not for updates of your version. Moving between major versions depends on Microsoft’s offer at the time.