Simple issue with installing Windows Question about setting up Windows correctly
Simple issue with installing Windows Question about setting up Windows correctly
Hi all. I have a client who has an Asus VivoPC M32CD-B09. It comes with Windows 10 Home 64bit, but someone else had installed a pirated version of Windows 10 over that. The HDD in it died and I will be installing a new SSD in its place. However, I'm not sure if Windows will activate. He does not have any original documentation that came with it, nor is there a license sticker anywhere on the chassis. I have no way of getting the key. So my question is, if I install Windows 10 Home 64bit onto this new SSD, will the key magically be there or are we screwed? Thanks in advance.
He requires a key. While you can operate Windows without one, there’s a watermark in the lower corner. If he intends to buy Windows, definitely get a key from eBay—about $10 instead of the $100 they charge at the store.
Consider testing options before purchasing a license. Set up the new SSD, then download the latest Windows 10 from Microsoft’s website. Perform a clean installation. After that, connect to the internet, update Windows, and navigate to Settings → Update & Security → Activation. If your system is registered, you’ll see a confirmation message indicating activation with a digital license link tied to your Microsoft account. You won’t need to log in to the account. Your Windows 10 version is now valid, especially if you had a previous legal version.
You can test it and observe the outcome. If you set up Windows 10 but don’t get a digital key, you can still use it with minimal impact. Keep purchasing a key until you’re ready to proceed.
The original installation included the key on the motherboard. The only solution was to take out the board itself. I’m skeptical about a "pirated" Windows 10 having a key—my understanding of that term is unclear. That’s why stickers on PC cases no longer appear. Just reinstall Windows, and it should activate automatically. I’m pretty sure a pirated version doesn’t come with a key, and even if it did... remind your client that piracy is wrong and they need a legitimate license. Most cases won’t require anything else.
I've reinstalled Windows 10 multiple times, but never received that alert. Without a Microsoft account, it seems the system activates automatically on new motherboards, so no notification appears. PS: Are you thinking about a pirated version? Probably not, though I'm not sure.
I thought that way but wasn't certain. It seems the preloaded copy was turned on using a program named autoKMS, but Windows Defender detected it and took it away, which shut down Windows. From what I read, the tool merely alters registry entries. I’m going to test 10 Home 64bit instead to see if it starts on its own.