My mom bought a used laptop absolutely riddled with spyware, linux isn’t an option

  • empireOfLove@lemmy.one
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    35
    ·
    edit-2
    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.

    • Telstarado@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      12
      ·
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      This is the way. Win is already activated, no need to pirate anything. Just get a >= 8gb flash drive, download the installer creator app from Microsoft, and reinstall Windows. It will activate based on the licensing level the machine came with, minus the crapware, which is from the manufacturer’s OS image, not Microsoft’s.

      • cm0002@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        9
        ·
        1 year ago

        This OP, also make sure to choose custom install and delete ALL the partitions. Not only does the manufacturer image reside there with it’s crapware, it could have been tampered with to reinstall all that malware lol