I'm not sure I understand the point of these keys. "These make it possible to install the operating system or upgrade to the operating system in question, but they are not the same as activation keys. You can use the OS, but it will run in an unactivated mode with limited features."<p>Last time I checked, I was able to download a bootable ISO of Windows 10, I boot from that disc/USB, and I install the OS. I didn't need no key for that. Are they saying that some sort of key is required just for an install to go forward now? Separately from the activation process? Is the generic key supposed to cost money or something? It doesn't represent an OS license though, just license to install? This is all new news to me.