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My mom bought a used laptop absolutely riddled with spyware, linux isn’t an option
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.
Do not pirate windows, just download straight from Microsoft. You don’t need to register
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!
Now you have to activate it in order to change some settings.
Which is really easy with MAS
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 :)
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.
Just reinstall it via Microsoft official iso maker. Anything newer than Windows 8 will attach license keys to the hardware (motherboard) and it usually picks the activation right back up.
If not use the msguides.com kms method.
Safest image download would be from Microsoft website. You need activation? Look up Microsoft Activation Script (MAS) on Github. Read the readme on how to use it.
Here’s a link for MAS for those who need it
It’s a cake walk to use
Direct link to windows or office
Aren’t Windows keys bound to motherboards these days? Unless you replace the motherboard, just download it again and start fresh.
Like using a puncture repair kit and duct tape to fix a condom after sex.
Just put one of the Linux distros on it that look like Windows. Install LibreOffice and lookalike programs.
And No, I don’t care why you think you can’t use Linux.
Parsec doesnt work as host on Linux. Biggest reason I can’t use it. I think you care just a teeny tiny bit.
I like this retort! Much credit.
You Linux fanboys are the worst. If you don’t have anything useful to add to the conversation, then just keep scrolling.
I’m an ex Windows fan. If you didn’t use Windows 3.11 in a corporate environment to try to get some work done, you wouldn’t and won’t ever understand.
Just… install it.
Installing Windows won’t fix the spyware problem fully 😉
Mass gravel may provide you what you seek.
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.
Windows 10 AME