this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2023
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My mom bought a used laptop absolutely riddled with spyware, linux isn't an option

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[–] [email protected] 19 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Install official version from Microsoft website.

Open PowerShell;

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

This authenticates Win and/or upgrades version Home/Pro

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks! Will bookmark this :)

[–] [email protected] 9 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.

[–] [email protected] 8 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.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The problem with pirating Windows is that you don't know if it has been tempered.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

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

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Which is really easy with MAS

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 6 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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Installing Windows won't fix the spyware problem fully 😉

Mass gravel may provide you what you seek.

[–] [email protected] 1 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

[–] [email protected] 1 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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)
[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)
[–] [email protected] -2 points 1 year ago (3 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Parsec doesnt work as host on Linux. Biggest reason I can't use it. I think you care just a teeny tiny bit.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

You Linux fanboys are the worst. If you don't have anything useful to add to the conversation, then just keep scrolling.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

W11 costs 2€ to 5€. Just buy it.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Not a single time did I have trouble or anyone I know.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

"It works on my machine"... great.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago
[–] [email protected] -5 points 1 year ago

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).