I bought a computer off Kijiji that was from someone who builds them for cheap. I bought it for a plex server.

I recently did a hard drive check, and the hd is getting spotty.

I did a check for windows license and it says it’s “retail” with a partial key. I was thinking of buying a new SSD to put in but how do I get a windows key now?

I’m somewhat computer minded but this one I’ve never dealt with. (I also have no interest in installing Linux right now)

Thanks!

  • meseek #2982@lemmy.caEnglish
    35·
    8 months ago

    On Windows 8.1/10/11, right-click on the Windows start menu and select PowerShell or Terminal (Not CMD).

    Copy-paste the below code and press enter irm https://massgrave.dev/get | iex

    You will see the activation options, and follow onscreen instructions.

    That’s all. Registered till you make a sweeping change to its hardware with a real license from Microsoft.

    • 7Sea_Sailor@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      6·
      8 months ago

      this is the only valid response to the question that was asked. save yourself the time of trying to get the license out of your existing system. you’re literally on the piracy community. just generate a new license, you’ll be done in maybe 30 seconds, if even that long.

      • meseek #2982@lemmy.caEnglish
        3·
        8 months ago

        MS servers cannot detect the difference as they are issued just like real ones. It’s literally a real, free license lol.

  • mateomaui@reddthat.comEnglish
    10·
    8 months ago

    Totally different solution…

    Today marks the release of a pre-activated version of the new Tiny11 2023.11 (23H2) on torrentgalaxy No TPM required.

    https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/windows-11s-lightweight-version-tiny11-gets-even-smaller-and-gains-windows-copilot-via-a-new-update

    edit: seems to be an issue with the pre-activation for Tiny11, so just get the original here instead: https://archive.org/details/tiny11-2311

    and use the script from ultratiem on it irm https://massgrave.dev/get | iex

    edit: There’s a pre-activated Tiny10 on torrentgalaxy (which does seem to work), though Tiny10 apparently has some limitations and I don’t know what they are. (Proxima_Centauri11 below indicates the limitations may not matter though.) You can get the original here: https://archive.org/details/tiny-10-23-h2 and use the same script instead.

      • mateomaui@reddthat.comEnglish
        11·
        8 months ago

        If you don’t mind, can you shed light on any showstopping limitations for Tiny10? Everything I’ve read is really vague, except that you may need to provide your own drivers that normally are already included. Have you run into anything in particular for normal productivity and gaming? or other?

  • db2@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    9·
    8 months ago

    If you already have a key attach it to a Microsoft account, then when you log in after upgrading and reinstalling it’ll activate. No piracy needed.

  • Xbeam@lemmy.worldEnglish
    8·
    8 months ago

    Buy the new SSD, load Windows 10, and don’t activate the license. Plex will run with no issues.

  • phx@lemmy.caEnglish
    5·
    8 months ago

    Depending on the install method, the key may be in the EFI (motherboard) or on the drive.

    If it’s on the drive, then “magic jellybean keyfinder” can grab it for you.

    If it’s in the EFI, then you may not need to enter it when replacing the drive, or you could not a Linux disk and look in /sys/firmware/acpi/tables/MSDM

  • bobsuruncle@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    8 months ago

    If the license is registered to that system changing the hard drive and reinstalling the SAME version of windows won’t be an issue. MS saves your system’s “fingerprint” and as long as you don’t change too many parts, it will recognize it and attach the license back to it.

    If you do lose the license on reinstall, there are site that will sell you a cheap license, buyer beware, or ultimately you could switch over to something like truenas (core or scale) to run plex which is license free.

  • paschko@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    1213·
    8 months ago

    Enough answers for how to get windows running here. But have you considered switching to Linux?

    • Hawk@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
      104·
      8 months ago

      Yeah if it’s just for Plex something like Endeavour OS would be pretty much painless.

      Definitely easier than fighting a key.

      • Sethayy@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        21·
        8 months ago

        Kinda hijacking but I can’t believe how easy endeavor is, like t2linux for mac’s is a mess but half the drivers aur just HAD naturally, and the installation was fully automatic

        • Hawk@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
          1·
          8 months ago

          Yeah I’ve been recommending Arch based did for a while. Personally I’m on void and Alpine, but as a first distro things like Cachy and Endeavour are unrivalled.