Wait. A few years ago, Windows decided they couldn't keep up with warez, so they allowed unactivated Windows for the first time. Now, they are going back to paid model, just to let the piracy shine up again!
In addition, this means, that if I bought a computer with Windows pre-installed, I couldn't operate it? This will render OEM Windows installation useless. So.. year of the Linux Desktop?
Theyre gonna follow the Adobe model and use online DRM to make it impossible to pirate. You can't pirate software if core functionality depends on online services.