My mom bought a used laptop absolutely riddled with spyware, linux isn’t an option
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 :)
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.
Aren’t Windows keys bound to motherboards these days? Unless you replace the motherboard, just download it again and start fresh.
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
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
Now you have to activate it in order to change some settings.
Which is really easy with MAS
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.
Installing Windows won’t fix the spyware problem fully 😉
Mass gravel may provide you what you seek.
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
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.
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
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How do you think they became the defacto OS for consumer PCs?
By being smart enough to get their OS packaged with new retail PCs in the 90’s while the market for them was just warming up. They kept their stranglehold going by not caring too hard about piracy. Just enough to keep from losing any trademark considerations.
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.
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You Linux fanboys are the worst. If you don’t have anything useful to add to the conversation, then just keep scrolling.
Parsec doesnt work as host on Linux. Biggest reason I can’t use it. I think you care just a teeny tiny bit.
W11 costs 2€ to 5€. Just buy it.
Mmmm you’re talking about key resellers. A full retail version costs $150. Keys from key resellers are notoriously unreliable. It might work forever, or it might stop working a week after you authenticated. It’s more or less a gamble.
Great if it works for you, sucks if someone just wasted money (however little) on something that’ll stop working - especially if it’s grandma’s machine.
Also, hedge your bets a little better, buy the ones that cost $10 or even $15. Historically speaking those are a safer bet.
Not a single time did I have trouble or anyone I know.
“It works on my machine”… great.
🤡
Massgrave or the good ol’ Windows 10 AME Project ISO on archive.org (using since over a year with simplewall and occasional Kaspersky’s KVRT scans).
