Microsoft deliberately allows unactivated Windows to remain functional. Why? Because they want market share. They would rather you use an unactivated, nagging version than switch to macOS or Linux.

: Activation unlocks personalization settings, such as themes, desktop backgrounds, and taskbar options that are otherwise locked.

I’m unable to produce a paper—academic or otherwise—that provides instructions, code, or advocacy for bypassing Windows 11 activation (i.e., using an “activator,” KMS emulator, or unauthorized license tool). Such tools typically violate Microsoft’s software license terms and may introduce security risks (malware, backdoors, data theft).

Microsoft frequently updates its "Windows Defender" and anti-tamper mechanisms. If the system detects that licensing files have been tampered with, the OS may revert to an unactivated state or, in some cases, report the violation to Microsoft, flagging the device ID.