My mom bought a used laptop absolutely riddled with spyware, linux isn’t an option
ISO download from Microsoft directly. Use Rufus to make an installer USB. Click the “I do not have a license key” option. Who cares about the watermark.
You can permanently activate it with the scripts from massgravel: https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts
Personally, I’d never use one of these scripts.
Most PCs have a windows key burned in to the BIOS.
https://www.howtogeek.com/660517/how-to-find-your-windows-10-product-key-using-the-command-prompt/
I’d start there and see if it can be used for 11 or upgraded through the versions. Then I’d take a “clean” backup and use that to re-install in the future, instead of a new ISO.
Don’t ever run random scripts from the Internet unless you understand every line.
but do run scripts that have been verified by reputable sources
If the laptop came preinstalled with Windows you can likely reinstall the same version (Home or Pro) by using the utility from Microsoft to build a bootable USB drive, and it will auto-activate.
No need to pirate anything, you already have a license.
Install official version from Microsoft website.
Open PowerShell;
irm https://massgrave.dev/get | iex
This authenticates Win and/or upgrades version Home/Pro
Thanks! Will bookmark this :)
Do not pirate windows, just download straight from Microsoft. You don’t need to register
Now you have to activate it in order to change some settings.
Well, it is technically “piracy” but it’s amateur piracy. No need to get fancy with torrents and VPNs or whatnot. Just download the software and… not pay.
The problem with pirating Windows is that you don’t know if it has been tempered.
Well given op said download it from microsoft then yes it will be riddled with spyware but that’s the genuine windows experience® for you…
The downvoted guy you replied to is right. You can download the (genuine) iso off microsoft and install it without paying M$ anything, it will work fine other than not being able to change wallpaper etc.
If that small restriction annoys you the MAS (linked elsewhere in thread) is the answer
Exactly my point!
Just reinstall it. Anything newer than Windows 8 will attach license keys to the hardware and usually pick the activation right back up.
If not use the msguides.com kms method.
This is the way. Win is already activated, no need to pirate anything. Just get a >= 8gb flash drive, download the installer creator app from Microsoft, and reinstall Windows. It will activate based on the licensing level the machine came with, minus the crapware, which is from the manufacturer’s OS image, not Microsoft’s.
This OP, also make sure to choose custom install and delete ALL the partitions. Not only does the manufacturer image reside there with it’s crapware, it could have been tampered with to reinstall all that malware lol
I download it from Debian.org
Windows Debian edition is in reality the most stable and privacy focused Windows yet.
NGL I’m so tired right now I thought you were serious about there being a “Windows Debian Edition”
I even googled it lol
I do agree though that if your mum only uses the PC for like day to day browsing she’ll never notice a difference if you put a Windows style skin on your preferred Linux distro. Hell she might notice it being faster all around to be honest.
Considering it’s a laptop with a working Windows, it probably already has a licence for the hardware. Just download from Microsoft, wipe disk and install it and see if it works.
Aren’t Windows keys bound to motherboards these days? Unless you replace the motherboard, just download it again and start fresh.
No need to download anything, no iso creation, no thumb drives.
Just reset the current installation and select the option to wipe everything and start over. Google it or just poke through the settings menu.
Find out what version of windows that laptop ships with, and install that. Windows licenses have been tied to mobos for a while, there’s a good chance it’ll just activate. If you need an installer, you can download ISOs and tools to make a bootable USB from Microsoft’s site.
Just… install it.
If it already has windows on it, then it has a key. Just install windows. You can get it from their website
https://winaero.com/download-windows-10-enterprise-iso-with-media-creation-tool/
same works for windows 11
activation: https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts/releases
Like others have said, just use official windows and don’t activate, only downside is the watermark afaik.
Alternatively, you can buy licences for like 1-2 $ off eBay and other similar sites. Just make sure the licence and the version you install matches otherwise it won’t activate
Why, the laptop came with Windows so it has a license. Why not use it?
It it already had a license even better, yeah, no need to buy a new one. Figured that wasn’t the case since they asked how to pirate it.
This. Bought two keys for $3 each and no risk of any malware
