Microsoft products like Windows and Office often have time limits or trials that restrict usage after a certain period. Removing these time limits allows you to continue using the software indefinitely. There are a few different methods to achieve this, depending on the specific Microsoft product.
Removing Windows Time Limits
Some versions of Windows operating systems have a built-in time limit or trial period. For example, Windows 10 has a 30-day trial period before it requires activation. Here are some ways to remove time limits from Windows:
- Use a legitimate license key – Purchasing a valid license key for your edition of Windows (Home, Pro, etc.) and activating it will remove any time restrictions.
- Reset the trial period – Some trial versions of Windows allow resetting the trial counter up to 3 times, extending the trial period.
- Use deployment tools – Volume license versions of Windows can be deployed without restrictions using sysprep or other imaging tools.
- Modify the registry – Advanced users can edit the Windows registry to reset or remove the trial expiration date.
Activating Windows with a purchased license key is the official and recommended method. Resetting the trial counter or making registry tweaks involve tricking Windows into thinking it’s still within the trial period when it’s expired.
Removing Office Trial Limits
Microsoft Office suites like Office 365 also come with 30 or 60-day trial periods. Here are some methods to get around the Office trial expiration:
- Enter a valid product key – Like Windows, purchasing and redeeming a legitimate Office product key will fully activate the suite.
- Use the Office Deployment Tool – The ODT allows deploying Office without trial limits for volume licensing.
- Reset the trial period – Some trials like Office 2013 allow resetting the trial up to two times before it expires fully.
- Block Office from communicating – Blocking Office’s access to Microsoft servers may prevent it from checking the trial status online.
Again, using a purchased activation key is the only officially supported way. Resetting trials or blocking communications could lead to reduced functionality or instability.
Removing Limits from Other Microsoft Products
Other Microsoft products like Project, Visio, SQL Server, and Visual Studio also come with limited trials. Here are some tips for removing limits from these:
- Use a valid license key – Purchasing and activating with a product key will remove restrictions.
- Deploy with volume tools – Volume license versions can be deployed silently without trials.
- Edit registry/config files – Some products store trial info in the registry or config files that could be edited.
- Block communications – Restricting access to Microsoft servers may prevent trial expiration checks.
As with Windows and Office, using a legitimate license key is always the preferred approach.Manipulating trials or blocking communications comes with risks of instability.
Conclusion
While there are ways to reset or circumvent trial limits on Microsoft products, these methods are not officially supported and can risk stability issues. Acquiring and activating valid license keys is the only foolproof way to remove restrictions indefinitely and legally. For personal use, purchasing retail keys is recommended. Businesses should use volume licensing programs.
Here is a summary of the recommended methods for removing time limits on common Microsoft products:
| Product | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Windows OS | Purchase and activate license key |
| Office Suite | Purchase and activate license key |
| SQL Server | Purchase and activate license key |
| Visual Studio | Purchase and activate license key |
| Project | Purchase and activate license key |
| Visio | Purchase and activate license key |
Attempting to bypass trials should be avoided in favor of properly licensed and activated products for the best functionality, security and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to remove time limits from Microsoft products?
The only legal way to remove time limits is by properly purchasing and activating license keys. Resetting trials or blocking communications to trick the software is not condoned by Microsoft and violates their terms of use.
What risks are there with resetting trials or blocking servers?
These unofficial methods can lead to reduced functionality, disabled features, security vulnerabilities, and stability issues. Microsoft could also potentially detect and blacklist systems attempting to bypass trials.
What is the difference between consumer and volume licensing?
Consumer licensing is for individual purchases, while volume licensing is for business and enterprise customers. Volume licenses allow greater flexibility in deployment and management. Home users should purchase consumer/retail keys.
Where can I buy license keys?
Legitimate license keys can be purchased from retailers, Microsoft Store, resellers, Microsoft’s volume licensing portal, or a PC or laptop manufacturer that has an OEM image.
What if I lost my product key?
If you’ve lost a product key, you may be able to recover it with tools like ProduKey or Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder. For Office 365, keys can be viewed by logging into your Microsoft account. If unrecoverable, contact Microsoft Support.
Detailed Steps
Activating Windows
Here are the detailed steps to activate Windows using a purchased product key:
- Acquire a legitimate Windows product key from a retailer, reseller, or Microsoft.
- On the unactivated copy of Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Click “Change product key” and enter the purchased 25-character product key.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation.
- Restart the computer if prompted to complete the process.
- Confirm Windows is now activated on the Activation screen under Update & Security settings.
Activating Microsoft Office
To activate Office with a purchased product key:
- Obtain a legitimate Office 2019, 365, or 2021 product key.
- Open any Office app like Word or Excel.
- Go to File > Account and click “Activate Office” on the right.
- Click “I want to enter my product key” and enter the key.
- Restart Office and open an app again. It should now be activated.
- Check activation status again in File > Account.
Conclusion
Removing Microsoft product time limits requires using properly licensed software. Resetting trials, blocking servers, or editing registries/config files is not officially supported. These hacks risk reduced functionality and instability. Always purchase and activate valid license keys from trusted sources to ensure you’re compliant with Microsoft’s terms of use.