A few newbie questions about Windows10, sorry to ask…

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By Oliver (AKA the Admin) on 32 comments
in Categories: Just Talking

Hey guys :)

For a variety of reasons, I may have to reinstall my OS one of these days, and it’s gotten me to consider replacing my Windows 7 with Windows 10. Before that, I’d really like to ask some newbie questions, please…

First, a confession: I never paid for a Windows licence in my life (excluding the occasional OS shipped with a new machine, but those don’t count, right?), I’ve been pirating it since the old days of Windows 98.

However, I would like to “go legit” at long last, and use a genuine OS.

Why, you may ask? Simply because it would be one less “only slightly worrying thing” sitting in the corner of my mind, not having to ask myself if a new Windows Update would break the loader ( <3 mydigitallife.info forums), not having to trust blindly a pirating third-party software. I mean, it’s only a minuscule thing to worry about, of course, but life is complicated enough already so, in the long term, the less useless things I have sitting in a corner of my mind, the better. Oh, and now there are other reasons (for security, just in case.)

And it leads me to the questions I’m asking now:
1 – In that case, is it the only solution to go and buy Windows from an online store, be it CD/USB/Key number?
2 – Or is it possible to download from Microsoft an official .iso and use a licence key/number provided by someone that’s not a commercial vendor?
3 – Are there options in which you can be worry-free (no need to renew, rebuy, recertify, rewhatever) even after you replace your motherboard and/or system disk?
(Putting it into a context, the last time I knew for sure how things worked, it was with Windows 98, so I only got obsolete info here ^^ I googled around of course, but the replies were beyond confusing, conflicting answers, responses contradicting each other…)

Lastly, and here I’m getting my hopes high, unless it doesn’t work like that anymore (honestly, no idea!), are there still people with unused keys they don’t need who could gift one to a friendly hentai webmaster? Or maybe now it’s not possible anymore to gift them, or they’ve stopped being a commodity every sysadmin had plenty to liberally give around?

Sorry to ask it here, thanks if you guys can help me getting this mess less confusing ;)

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Wild Goose
Wild Goose
6 years ago

It’s possible to upgrade to legit windows 10 for free, if you want to go that route.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/microsoft-windows-10-free-upgrade-offer-assistive-features/

You go to this page.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade?tduid=(14c348e893a91089cb2980533c6ee123)(256380)(2459594)(TnL5HPStwNw-0FBZfNm6YPFXNhiu3o52rA)()

Microsoft doesn’t actually check to see if you use assistive features, so you’re set. Bingo, you now have free windows 10.

Regor
Regor
6 years ago

Well, as for you 3 questions….

1. You can buy it from Microsoft Online Store here https://www.microsoftstore.com
2. You can also download ISO from Microsoft Website here https://www.microsoftstore.com
3. I’m not sure what’re you asking but I’m assuming that you asked that what if after you install the new Windows 10 then you replace some Hardware piece like Motherboard. Well normally it wouldn’t break your OS if you follow a correct procedure like uninstall the old hardware driver before replace a new one.

Actually, I’ve a spare grey license key left. I bought it from a really big online store with surprisingly cheap price, then I found out later that it was generate from some company Volume License key which I’m too lazy to chargeback the order so I left it unused like that. However, since I left it like that 1 fully year, I’m not sure if it still work or not but it should still working.

More explanation for this kind of key is, the key is genuinely used within the company you can update directly with Microsoft updater but if you break the agreement Microsoft can revoke the key immediately. So it become grey key….

I’m willing to give this key to you but I’m not sure if you’re interest or not since you decide not to go pirate way (but again the key itself is not pirate, lol)

Anyway, please contact me if you’re interest in this key :)

Unknown111111
Unknown111111
6 years ago

You can upgrade for free from Windows 7 to Windows 10 if you have a real license (ex: If your computer came with Windows 7 when you bought it)

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/microsoft-windows-10-free-upgrade-offer-assistive-features/

If you dont have a real license, best way is to buy a new computer or buy the license.

Good luck.

Ender42
Ender42
6 years ago

Hi Oliver, you can buy & download directly from microsoft: https://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msfr/fr_FR/cat/Windows/categoryID.70039600 or download the ISO if you have a valid key: https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/software-download/windows10ISO

I didn’t do it, but it seems fairly simple to reactive Windows on hardware changes: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change,
Though it might depend on which versions of Windows you get. I think that OEM versions are more limited regarding the number of changes allowed (but that might be wrong).

No idea about unused keys.

KAI
KAI
6 years ago

I believe you can buy a license directly from microsoft and then download the ISO as well. also retail copy of windows can be reinstalled after hardware upgraded ie. MOBO HDD/SSD.as many time as you want as long as its only active in one machine at a time. As of Win 10 the OS Product key is connected to your Microsoft accnt. and by just logging on after hardware change the reinstalled copy of windows becomes active

How boot lunix though?
How boot lunix though?
6 years ago

You can download the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft and install it without a license and use it completely legitly. It will have some useless features moved into a bit more harder to use places and it tells you from time to time to activate, but otherwise it’s a completely legit W10 install.

You can then at any time get a license key and activate your install.

OG Mudbone
OG Mudbone
6 years ago

Try Kinguin.net. Cheap legit keys. Did one for a client already sometime ago.

Wolff
Wolff
6 years ago

best way is go to small PC/computer shop next close to your home…so they can help you all way or when you got problem with pc then lucky you dont need take a long way to shop lol. VPN is best to defender your pc from maybe NSA lol.

aaa
aaa
6 years ago

You can buy a legit Windows 7 key for $20, and upgrade to Windows 10 for free. I did this couple years ago and there’s has been no issues at all.

https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

aaa
aaa
6 years ago

Forgot to mention by legit I mean the key itself is authentic. However you’ll be buying from 3rd party people, I don’t know where they source it from haha.

qwerty
qwerty
6 years ago

I don’t know if Microsoft still allows free upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 10, but you can go to kinguin.com and purchase a legitimate key of Windows 10 for around $20, in which they also include Windows 10. I’ve used it personally and it has been great so far. One thing to note though, is that the key you get from the purchase should be an image file from the sender (those product key stickers) and not a string of texts and to bw extra cautiois, add the protection plan as it’s only a couple of dollars to get a refund if you have any problems. The OEM version of Windows is basically renewable infinitely as long as it is activated on one machine. Also, Microsoft has a dedicated download page of their Windows images to be installed on DIY systems and recovery of defective OS.

knivem
knivem
6 years ago

Hey Oliver, hope this helps. Found this on a well known deals forum here in Canada.

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/twed-hot-windows-10-pro-oem-9-11cad-2077531/

knivem
knivem
6 years ago
Reply to  knivem

You could also use a Windows 10 Activator called “KMSpico” which seems to work well for me on one of my PCs. My main frustration with Win10 is difficulty trying to disable forced updating. It chooses to update an restart when ever it feel like it.

Nico
Nico
6 years ago

Attention Olivier que si tu achètes une clé W7 à 20$ et que tu fais le passage à W10, si il s’agit d’une clé OEM (donc constructeur genre HP, Asus etc), ce sera lié au hardware. Logique puisque c’est des version de windows vendues avec des portables ou des PC déjà montés. Tu peux remplacer certaines éléments tels que des disques dur, rajouter de la ram et même (mais à vérifier car je ne suis pas certain à 100%) une carte graphique. Mais si tu changes de carte mère, ta copie restera attachée à la carte mère précédente. Donc pour upgrader la carte mère, il te faut une clé W7 retail et pas une OEM.

Mais en effet il te faut juste une clé, pas besoin d’une version physique de W10. Tu télécharges le MediaCreationTool depuis le site de microsoft, tu plug une clé USB et le soft te fais une clé bootable d’install W10 avec la dernière version de W10.

Et si tu t’en fiches d’avoir dans le coin à droite le message “Activate Windows”, tu peux l’utiliser sans même avoir de clé. Tu fais une install depuis le MediaCreationTool et tu ne rentres simplement pas de clé.

Jayson
Jayson
6 years ago

Try buying from https://www.kinguin.net/ as its cheaper, and its quite recommended by a youtuber that I watch frequently.
thought there is a catch, its an OEM version. so beware of the disadvantage of it being OEM version.(paul’s hardware to check the disadvantage)

K K
K K
6 years ago

I got Win10 Home with my laptop. It had so much stuff blocked (ie.: power-user options and tools, useful for disabling bloatware and useless options) that I ended up just getting an Enterprise version from ‘elsewhere’.

mas T
mas T
6 years ago

you can get a legit win10 for about 50$ easy enough. no reason to pirate and have all the headaches that come with it. Get an online key, use it to install w10 on an usb stick (at least 8 GB) and use that to boot and install.

Evangeline-tan
Evangeline-tan
6 years ago

Be forewarned that Windows 10, specially the x64 edition, does not offer complete backwards compatibility with some programs, applications and games. Example: If for any reason you use any old Windows 16bit programs, they will not run anymore since the service that runs them, NTVDM is included in Windows 7 x64, but missing in 10.

You cannot use another computer’s product key anymore as well, since all brand computers store the product key in the BIOS and some of those keys are not retail ones, so you can’t activate them on another machine because installation media’s internal code will not match.

You cannot upgrade to Windows 10, “for free”, if you download the current Windows 10 ISO available for download at Microsoft as that offer already expired.

Your best bet is to buy a product key… Specifically, a retail key. OEM Keys will not work, BIOS extracted keys will also not work.

Some websites specialize in selling Windows 10 keys for cheap, but they are almost always MSDN subscription keys that will only work once or twice and then become disabled, so if you need to reinstall in the future you will have to purchase another valid key.

Jonathan
Jonathan
6 years ago

I upgraded my OS to a legit one using the same reasons as you have! Hahaha, one less problem to worry about.

Also, the cost of Windows OS now is very affordable, in my opinion. And there are also less choices now (no more Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, etc.). And if you think you will not use any of the additional features of the Pro or Enterprise version, you can just buy the Home version. (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compare) For myself and my sister, we both just bought the Home versions and it is nice. Regular updates, latest drivers, etc. No problems.

In response to your third question, as long as you don’t buy an OS labeled with “OEM,” it should not give you any problem with regards to changing motherboards, hard drives, etc. You can “recycle” the OS if you plan to change your hardware.

Hope this helps.

Randomreadee
Randomreadee
6 years ago

Make sure to do a fresh install after the upgrade. There are bugs that may shiw up but cleared with a clean installation

frankoh
frankoh
6 years ago

(I may be wrong)
There are two types of licenses: OEM and RETAIL. The OEM is sold to vendors an gived to you when you buy a new PC with Win preinstalled, in theory, this license is linked to this PC and can’t be used in other PC. A RETAIL is an independent product and can be used in any PC (only one at time of course). A license is linked to a User (and to a PC hardware in case OEM) and can’t be used by other. When you upgrade from a previous (valid) Win to Win10, you get an OEM license.
When you buy Win10 you get a Retail license and you must download the installer from Microsoft site. In MS site you download first a little program, when you run this app, it will guide you to download de Win10 version you want in order to create the installer media (USB or ISO-DVD)

Hi my names Fred
Hi my names Fred
6 years ago

Basically you get it in download or iso, when installed the iso is stored on the machine. You’re system files will be like 16 Gbs or something stupid like that after updates. The thing is the iso is linked to your licence and is links to you Microsoft account. (requiring the same account purchased to work) So they don’t delete the iso and they copy it to your system and the cd you burned is kinda useless after that. At that point (with windows installed) your have to Create Media Recovery Drive which stores the Iso on a external Usb for recovery. Of course there is also Create system image and system repair disc. I suggest making all of them because if different situation Windows asked for specificity one of them. There is also the classic Windows backup, but that only does your own files. Honestly having a cracked version of windows 10 on USB is by far the easiest if you got a good crack. I lucked out when upgrading from a unlicensed version of windows 7 to 10 and they just give you a free license. I have people that come into work every day saying that there windows 10 wont boot or the forgot the local password because they did not link it to Microsoft account. With out the Media Recovery Drive (reinstall from scratch) you are literately out luck and have a brick, and you need to System image to delete your old user account and restore a new one, but if its a windows boot issue your need the system repair disc to salvage your local saved media. Do your self the favor never install windows 10 just use chrome on widows 7 and you avoid the broken IE9 flaw. The real only differences is 10 is impossible to navigate, added Windows Store for shitty Apps, there are now Action Center, Settings and Control Panel (each having different setting functions making it really confusing to change anything), its also very incompatible with many things and products your already have though it claims to be easier. CMD has different commands, Plus it forces your to keep cortana, Widnows 8 features like tablet mode and a bunch of Microsoft crap ware. I still miss the classic look on windows 7 that does not exist on windows 10 those Assholes ruined everything good since Windows ME. When windows 7 came out we where like oh Microsoft might actually know what consumers want. 8 and 10 is like Vista all over again. If only games where release for Linux as soon as Windows be a game changer. it cost 70 bucks a year for office or and 360 home and student is 160 US so you always have that too look forward too when you get a .docx file from your boss or client and your like there is no ways around this is there, why cant people just use open office or google docs or just the decency to save there files from office as a basic .doc. Well Good luck

GFFrankJaeger
GFFrankJaeger
6 years ago

You can install Win 7 Ultimate, activate it with Windows 7 loader eXtreme Edition v3.503 by Napalum. And then go here and update
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade?tduid=(14c348e893a91089cb2980533c6ee123)(256380)(2459594)(TnL5HPStwNw-0FBZfNm6YPFXNhiu3o52rA)()
After install just wait for win 10 activates via internet. Finish. Now, just rest Win 10 or make clean install. Fully legit Win 10 Pro is yours.

GFFrankJaeger
GFFrankJaeger
6 years ago

One more thing. If Win 10 update stops from 90 to 98%. Then, disable all autostart programms, made clean boot
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows
after reboot stop win update service and disable it in administrator, services. Start update, as soon as Win 10 downloads and installation starts unplug lan cable or disable wifi (if your internet connection is wireless). Now your windows updates 100%. After update just connect internet back for Win 10 activation.
P.S. Sorry for my english, I’m from Russia.

tudeluu
tudeluu
6 years ago

Buy a cheap key on Ebay I bought mine for 5$ works perfectly

Dafen
Dafen
6 years ago

https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/accessibility/windows10upgrade

Used this in the past, never had any problem, activation is permanent

Noname
Noname
6 years ago

1. there’s the accessibility exploit as some others have mentioned, which is free.you can still buy windows from a physical retailer as long they are reputable.
2. you can get the iso through the windows 10 media creation tool, and it does the whole thing for you where you just tell it which usb/cd you want to make into a installer. (use a spare usb with nothing on it btw)
3.if you have the home edition i believe you have 1 reactivation chance for hardware changes such as motherboards. i know for sure you have at least 1 reactivation chance for pro edition because thats what i did, i upgraded my motherboard and was able to reactivate without even having to call microsoft, just press “i recently changed my hardware”. why im emphasizing reactivation chances is because i know depending on how you obtained your license (i.e free upgrade or purchased directly from microsoft/retailer) as well as what edition of windows 10, you can have X amount of reactivations. the annoying thing here is that you MUST make an microsoft account with your personal information AND link your windows license to that in order to have those reactivation (else you will have to call microsoft which is a pain in the ass). this also implies that to log onto your computer you will have to use your microsoft account password instead of a local password. its convenient because you can reset your password if you forget somehow, and makes managing your license easy, but a major concern if you’re worried about your personal information being online.

anyways as long as you have a legit license somehow, windows 10 will work just fine and theres nothing to worry about. but DO link the license to your microsoft account if you do plan to make hardware changes to the particular computer, as all your hardware is logged with your license when activating windows. im fairly sure my info is still up to date as i only just recently quit my job at a big local computer retailer as a repair technician, but im sure there are also plenty of good advice out there :D feel free to pop me an email if you like. thanks for your work oliver, long time fan ;)

nnx
nnx
6 years ago

You should be aware first that WIn10 fullfills every criterion of spyware.
Ask yourself: Do you absolutely, positively need Windows 10?
Do you have applications that are essential but cannot run on Linux?
Usability with Linux is today at least as good as Windows, if not better. I found Linux Mint considerably easier to install than Win10.

Random
Random
6 years ago
Reply to  nnx

Seriously, this^^^. Think long and hard (no pun), do you really need Windows 10 looking into your life. Microsoft tracks everything you do on that OS. So unless you feel guilty that you pirated and want to make up for it by letting them collect data on you – sure, heh. Otherwise, switch to linux [or dual boot with Windows 7 for games, etc. (or run WINE)]. It has a large library of programs now to replace most of Microsoft’s offerings (MS Office < LibreOffice, for ex.).

Lubuntu (hTp://lubuntu.net/) is an excellent Linux OS. It's very light on resources, so no need to upgrade and has a similar feel to Windows 7. If you download the .ISO, you can run it "live" to test it out on your system (without installing/overwriting your current OS). Use Rufus (hTps://rufus.akeo.ie/) to make bootable USB.

It's free. Donate. Good luck. Thanks for site.

stsp
stsp
6 years ago

Tbh, I don’t see much point in pirating windows. Just use a Linux distro, it’s going to be way nicer to work with.

henjokun
henjokun
6 years ago

I got one free copy when it first came out, but I did recently buy a key online for like $25. Working in I.T. i was highly doubtful for $25 i’d get a legit pro key.. sure enough the freaking thing worked and microsoft’s windows 10 upgrade tool worked and no issues with the key. $25 is worth a try.. try it on a laptop if you want before doing it to your computer.. only $25 or so.

Name
Name
6 years ago

Since nobody mentioned it, I feel it is my duty to remind you that you can also transition to perfectly fine Linux OS.
There are several noob “easy” distros, and although different people will bug you to go to their own favorite, i think Mint is one of the easiest to get into.

It has three or four different desktop variants (as most Linux OSs do) which are all good and differences are not really that big.

I would say you should at least try it out and see if all your software works on it.
So if you have an extra computer or laptop give it a try.

Small advice – Dual installations are also possible, but its better to do them on separate hard disks in one computer, rather then have both on the same HD. Not partitions, Hard disks. The chance for problems is very low, BUT something weird can still happen which installing on separate HDs covers.