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My mom bought a used laptop absolutely riddled with spyware, linux isn't an option

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[-] superweeniehutjrs@lemmy.world 84 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] greyjedi@lemmy.world 78 points 1 year ago

You can permanently activate it with the scripts from massgravel: https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts

[-] skankhunt42@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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.

[-] superweeniehutjrs@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago

Don't ever run random scripts from the Internet unless you understand every line.

[-] 000999@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 year ago

but do run scripts that have been verified by reputable sources

[-] mp3@lemmy.ca 68 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] briongloid@aussie.zone 56 points 1 year ago

Install official version from Microsoft website.

Open PowerShell;

irm https://massgrave.dev/get | iex

This authenticates Win and/or upgrades version Home/Pro

[-] taanegl@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year ago

Thanks! Will bookmark this :)

[-] superb@lemmy.blahaj.zone 56 points 1 year ago

Do not pirate windows, just download straight from Microsoft. You don’t need to register

[-] java@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year ago

Now you have to activate it in order to change some settings.

[-] Gormadt@lemmy.blahaj.zone 11 points 1 year ago

Which is really easy with MAS

[-] empireOfLove@lemmy.one 35 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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.

[-] Telstarado@lemmy.world 12 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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.

[-] cm0002@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago

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

[-] loudWaterEnjoyer@lemmy.dbzer0.com 30 points 1 year ago
[-] el_bhm@lemm.ee 25 points 1 year ago

Windows Debian edition is in reality the most stable and privacy focused Windows yet.

[-] Gormadt@lemmy.blahaj.zone 20 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] whaleross@lemmy.world 30 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] cupcakezealot@lemmy.blahaj.zone 16 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Aren't Windows keys bound to motherboards these days? Unless you replace the motherboard, just download it again and start fresh.

[-] Pretzilla@lemmy.world 15 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] hexaflexagonbear@hexbear.net 12 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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.

[-] db2@sopuli.xyz 10 points 1 year ago

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

[-] FuckyWucky@hexbear.net 8 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)
[-] nyctre@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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

[-] jack55555@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago

Why, the laptop came with Windows so it has a license. Why not use it?

[-] nyctre@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] HerrBeter@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago

This. Bought two keys for $3 each and no risk of any malware

[-] Kyiro@lemm.ee 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)
[-] trewq@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

mass grave dev might be able to help you

[-] MomoTimeToDie@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago

Use the official Microsoft tool that makes installation media. From there, you can leave it unactivated, purchase a key, or use MAS or whatever it's called to activate for free

[-] Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 year ago

Scratch/Reuse of a Win7 key at work and have a genuine copy.
No money went to microsoft either way and you don't need external tools.

[-] Rentlar@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

Installing Windows won't fix the spyware problem fully 😉

Mass gravel may provide you what you seek.

[-] ElectroLisa@lemmy.blahaj.zone 0 points 1 year ago

Windows 10 AME

this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2023
100 points (92.4% liked)

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