This is a problem for nvidia.
You need an update to install any recent driver packages; which will not be pushed to you or install-able until activated.... It will fail to install the windowsupdate nvidia driver until the update is performed; which is reliant on activation.
It was a recent hurdle I learned about when doing machine upgrades. Couldn't install any nvidia driver until it has the OS updated to the creators update I believe.
Yeah, that is a tricky one. Fortunately, you can get the 1709 build ISO from
http://windowsiso.net/windows-10-iso/windows-10-creators-update-1709-download-build-16299-15/ then just make a bootable USB or DVD and install as per usual. Then I manually d/l'ed and installed the NVIDIA driver package (sans GeForce Experience) and aside from some incredibly annoying things as a result of Win10 not being activated, it is mining away.
Simplest solution:
Install and activate 7; do not use AutoKMS to activate.... Now update 7. Install 10 as upgrade form CD or USB after SP1 has installed, and one more round of updates install after the SP1 portion; don't install 10 before this point. 10 will be pre-activated when finished. Just process updates and you are off ot the races legitimately with no out of pocket expense.
Hmmm, don't you still have to pay for Win7 in this scenario?