Windows activation

All Windows IoT Enterprise operating systems must be prepared for activation. Every Beckhoff IPC with a preinstalled Windows 10 or 11 IoT Enterprise is already activated ex-factory. The devices are connected to the Microsoft activation verification server via an internet during the deployment process. After a successful activation a connection to the internet is no longer necessary.

Windows 10 activation

You can look up the activation state of the device in the Windows computer description.

Fig.6: Activation state Windows 10

The Windows 10 activation can take three different states:

• Activated: The device had contact with the Microsoft activation verification server via an internet connection and was automatically activated. The system is fully functional.
• Deferred activation: The device is not connected to the internet. It will remain in a deferred activation state. The System is fully functional.
• Not activated: The device had contact with the Microsoft activation verification server via an internet connection and the activation failed. Get in contact with the Beckhoff service department (service@beckhoff.com). The functionality of the system is limited, and a watermark will appear.

After the device has been activated it remains activated. Only a significant system change (e.g. a replacement of the motherboard) requires a new system activation.

Windows 11 activation

You can look up the activation state of the device in the Windows computer description.

Fig.7: Activation state Windows 11

The Windows 11 activation can take four different states:

• Activated: The device had contact with the Microsoft activation verification server via an internet connection and was automatically activated. The system is fully functional.
• Windows is activated with a digital license: The device had contact with the Microsoft activation verification server via an internet connection and was automatically activated. The system is fully functional.
• Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: The device had contact with the Microsoft activation verification server via an internet connection and was automatically activated. The system is fully functional.
• Not activated: The device had contact with the Microsoft activation verification server via an internet connection and the activation failed. Get in contact with the Beckhoff service department (service@beckhoff.com). The functionality of the system is limited, and a watermark will appear.

After the device has been activated it remains activated. Only a significant system change (e.g. a replacement of the motherboard) requires a new system activation.