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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[–] mp3@lemmy.ca 44 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.

[–] superb@lemmy.blahaj.zone 44 points 1 year ago (2 children)

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

[–] NateNate60@lemmy.ml 6 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.

[–] loudWaterEnjoyer@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

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

[–] NateNate60@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

Exactly my point!

[–] java 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] Gormadt@lemmy.blahaj.zone 11 points 1 year ago

Which is really easy with MAS

[–] briongloid@aussie.zone 42 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

[–] taanegl 4 points 1 year ago

Thanks! Will bookmark this :)

[–] loudWaterEnjoyer@lemmy.dbzer0.com 34 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] el_bhm@lemm.ee 23 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] Gormadt@lemmy.blahaj.zone 19 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.

[–] empireOfLove@lemmy.one 24 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.

[–] iliketrains@kbin.social 23 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.

[–] Gormadt@lemmy.blahaj.zone 15 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)
[–] cupcakezealot@lemmy.blahaj.zone 13 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.

[–] deadcatbounce@reddthat.com 11 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.

[–] hogart@feddit.nu 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] deadcatbounce@reddthat.com 1 points 1 year ago

I like this retort! Much credit.

[–] Chozo@kbin.social 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] deadcatbounce@reddthat.com 1 points 1 year ago

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.

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[–] guyrocket@kbin.social 11 points 1 year ago
[–] db2@sopuli.xyz 11 points 1 year ago

Just.. install it.

[–] Rentlar@lemmy.ca 6 points 1 year ago

Installing Windows won't fix the spyware problem fully 😉

Mass gravel may provide you what you seek.

[–] Kyiro@lemm.ee 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)
[–] Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] ElectroLisa@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 1 year ago

Windows 10 AME