Unlicensed Windows 10 and Dell computer attracted attention in the video of Putin voting online

In the images of Vladimir Putin voting online, it was noticed that the computer was running an unlicensed version of Windows 10 and was a Dell brand.

Vladimir Putin was seen voting online on a computer with Windows 10 operating system. This short video was shared to encourage the public to vote digitally during the parliamentary elections in Russia.

However, the images came to the fore with technical details rather than the expected interest. At the end of the video, it can be clearly seen that the computer used is running an unlicensed version of Windows 10 that is not activated.

Unexpected Software and Hardware Choice

Russia's parliamentary elections took place on Friday, September 18, 2026, and the online voting option was made available to the public for the first time. The press release prepared to introduce this new system was turned into a demonstration with the participation of the head of state.

In the images, 73-year-old President Putin is seen in front of a computer installed on his desk. However, it is a striking detail that this computer is not a Russian brand, but an American-made Dell device.

While domestic brands such as Aquarius were expected to be preferred due to Russia's policy of using domestic technology, the use of an American brand raised questions. In the world of industry and technology, this situation is considered as a contradiction in terms of compliance with the rules set by the state.

The fact that the Windows 10 version seen on the computer's screen was unlicensed was interpreted as a technical glitch. Experts estimate that the state uses up-to-date and licensed software in its critical infrastructure and military systems, but this computer was quickly prepared only for a short promotional shot.

Presumably this device was pulled from a warehouse and a quick copy of Windows was installed on it. This may be the result of a hasty preparation to simplify the president's online voting experience.

Election Process and International Reactions

In his statement in his own language after the voting, Putin made a suggestive statement about the outcome of the election. This statement was interpreted as a reference to the pointlessness of voting for candidates other than the ruling United Russia party.

Although it is quite difficult to evaluate the legitimacy of the elections within Russia, serious objections have been raised in the international arena. The governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom harshly criticized the holding of elections in occupied Ukrainian territory.

These countries defined the elections in question as a process that violated Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. This situation, which is stated to be contrary to the United Nations Charter, is at the center of international diplomatic discussions.

The technology world turned this incident into a meme storm. Images shared on social media were the subject of various humorous contents regarding both the use of unlicensed software and hardware choices.

As a result, this promotional effort was overshadowed by technical details rather than the intended incentive effect. What kind of message do you think a head of state's use of unlicensed software in an official promotional video sends about technological infrastructure?