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windows 10 activation key and download

I want to buy (or get legally for free) a copy of windows 10, but I'm confused.

I see this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

It suggests I can get a copy of Windows 10 for free. I see others online saying that gives you the ISO but you still need a key

I'm not sure if I will then need to buy a activation key.

I see vendors selling activation keys.

I'm downloading the ISO from MS as I write this and am not ready to install to find out. Will I need a key?

Is there anything to worry about buying a key from a vendor?

By the way; If install Windows 10, and get it running, will the version above allow upgrade to 11?

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Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

The download on that link you provided is provided for people who need to create installation media to install or re-install Windows, it does not mean Windows 10 is free, you still need a Windows licence to activate the installation.

Microsoft no longer sell Windows 10 they only sell Windows 11 now, so you would need to purchase a Windows 10 licence key from some 3rd party retailer, but be careful, very cheap licences you find online are usually not genuine consumer licences, they are volume licences that will initially activate and later it sill automatically deactivate.

With regards to Windows 11, the upgrade to Windows 11 is still free if you have a Windows licence, but if your PC is Windows 11 compatible, you should create a bootable Windows 11 USB from the link below and use that to install Windows 11 and then purchase a Windows licence.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...
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thank you.

I'm not sure I am able to get the vendors to answer that questions (consumer vs bulk). Is there anyway to search for that (any key words to use)? I assume you are not able to recommend a vendor. Is that right?

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One vendor say, "Our products/ licenses come from scrapped computers that are no longer in use, therefore we can sell them for much cheaper." Their TOS says "The product offered for sale is either a computer, computer hardware, or a second-hand product key that can be used to activate matching computer software, and might require phone activation. The company guarantees activation of 1 copy of matching computer software on 1 pc.
Our digital products product are not “first sale” and are covered by First Sale Doctrine, codified at 17 U.S.C. § 109, which provides that an individual who knowingly purchases a copy of a copyrighted work from the copyright holder receives the right to sell, display or otherwise dispose of that particular copy, notwithstanding the interests of the copyright owner. The company does not sell download links or provide paid support."

Is this legit?

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Sorry, I was offline.

I do not think those keys are your best option, you have no way to know if the keys would work, and second hand keys are usually associated to the Microsoft account that originally was used to activate the Windows licence.
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Power to the Developer!

MSI GV72 - 17.3", i7-8750H (Hex Core), 32GB DDR4, 4GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 256GB NVMe M2, 2TB HDD

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Thank you. I understand.

Now I'm reading, I don't even need a product key, that windows will work pretty well without the key (some reminders, no walpaer and the like); partially disabled.

My use is very limited. I have one legacy program I need to run. Perhaps a partially disabled windows is sufficient for me.

Is it true that without the key, windows 10 is partially functional?

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If Windows is not activated, any settings you change in Windows will not be saved after you restart your PC, Windows will be less secure, and there will be a watermark on your Desktop
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Power to the Developer!

MSI GV72 - 17.3", i7-8750H (Hex Core), 32GB DDR4, 4GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 256GB NVMe M2, 2TB HDD

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Im having issues upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10. How do I go about this and find out if my computer is compatible?

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your question is off-topic.

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i have Purchase Asus Laptop With Windows 10 Operating System But Due to Ransome Ware Attack , I have Formated Laptop , So i need Product Key of Windows 10

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Reply In reply to deleted message

i have Check with this key but activation not done

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Last updated May 19, 2024 Views 30,435 Applies to: