Putin's e-voting video shows Dell PC running unactivated Windows
A video of Vladimir Putin casting his ballot online in Russia's State Duma elections shows him using a Dell monitor and a Windows PC displaying the 'Activate Windows' watermark, indicating the copy of the operating system wasn't activated. The footage also shows Putin appearing unfamiliar with the interface, pausing and squinting as he navigates the voting process.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Russia has spent years promoting domestic alternatives like Astra Linux to reduce reliance on Western technology, so footage of its president using unactivated American software is an embarrassing contradiction of that policy. The clip also undercuts the Kremlin's carefully managed image, showing an unpolished moment that fuels mockery rather than propaganda value.
- Putin's voting video shows him using a Dell display and Windows PC instead of Russian-made software.
- The 'Activate Windows' watermark suggests the OS copy wasn't properly activated, despite Russia's push away from US tech.
- Putin also appeared visibly unfamiliar with the online voting interface during the clip.
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro USB — Avoid the awkward 'Activate Windows' watermark seen in Putin's viral voting video by grabbing a genuine, easy-to-install copy of Windows for your own PC. It's a straightforward way to keep your desktop looking clean and fully functional. Perfect for anyone setting up a new Dell or other Windows machine.
See Microsoft Windows 11 Pro USB on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techspot.com — Rob Thubron, 2026-09-21
Published there as: “Putin's awkward online voting video features a Dell PC and an "Activate Windows" watermark”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.