I just noticed my virtualized copy of WIndows isn't activated. Since I don't have 2 video cards, I need one copy installed physically, and a 2nd copy virtualized for some work tasks. Just wondering if there is anyway I could avoid purchasing additional copies of Windows.
The virtualized one is a different Windows installation instance running on different hardware so it technically needs a new license.
There are no official activation workarounds I would personally recommend.
That said, nothing significant actually happens if you do not activate Win10. In the past, MS has had some draconian code locking out users from their systems if they were not activated but modern versions of windows do not.
If you don't need to use the two machines at the same time you may install your Windows 10 again on a different hard drive, activate it, do what you need to do and when you're done boot in your regoular installation.
Yeah, it's just annoying. I could have sworn with older copies of windows you had 3 installs per license. The issue is I'm going to have to dig around, and get an old system booting again so I can upgrade that copy of Windows 8 to 10. It's just a huge hassle.