Windows 10

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!

29 comments

these are save and trusted open-source scripts to activate windows for free using various methods.

66
- This! It's even MS support approved: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-support-cracks-windows-for-customer-after-activation-fails/
  
  31
  
  Does work for Windows Server?
  
  2
- This guy doing gods work, literally open up a shell, copy pasta, get a full license from Microsoft lol
  
  16
  
  Even switching versions is super convenient now.
  
  3
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.

40
- 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.
  
  6
  
  7s but who’s counting 🙃
  
  🖕Microsoft
  
  2
- This. Free MAS HWID activation. You don't get any better than that.
  
  4
  
  MS servers cannot detect the difference as they are issued just like real ones. It’s literally a real, free license lol.
  
  4
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.

11
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

There’s also Tiny10, though it apparently has some limitations and I don’t know what they are. (edit: Proxima_Centauri11 below indicates the limitations may not matter though.) You can get it here: https://archive.org/details/tiny-10-23-h2 and use the same script instead.

10
- I usually install Tiny10 on my builds and then use the MAS script that ultratiem recommended.
  
  3
  
  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?
  
  2
  
  Thanks for the feedback, good to know that script works on the tiny versions!
  
  1
Buy the new SSD, load Windows 10, and don't activate the license. Plex will run with no issues.

10
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

5
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.

3
If you can boot and don't already have it activated via a MS account like others have said, you can use some powershell scripts to obtain the key: https://cloudinfra.net/retrieve-windows-os-license-details-using-powershell/

Also assuming this computer doesn't have an OEM motherboard which will likely have a BIOS/UEFI key and automatically reactivated windows during install

2
Create a medicat USB and clone the old drive to the new one.

1
You’re welcome

0
Enough answers for how to get windows running here. But have you considered switching to Linux?

-1
- Yeah if it's just for Plex something like Endeavour OS would be pretty much painless.
  
  Definitely easier than fighting a key.
  
  5
  
  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
  
  2
Windows 10 is free from Microsoft by visiting their website and creating a USB bootable drive.

-1

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