Windows 10 Is Activating Without Key?

RocklandCompRepair

RocklandCompRepair

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Hello all,

So I've come across an odd situation and would like to see if anyone has any input.

We purchased parts and built a brand new custom built computer. Loaded a clean .ISO of Windows 10 x64 from Microsoft's site (I just downloaded it, it's not old) and installed it on the computer.

I fire up the computer, and as expected, Windows is not activated. I haven't done ANYTHING except I installed a few small Windows updates. After the machine reboots, Windows is activated?!

I am puzzled as to how it could possibly be activated with no product key. I am aware that if you have a previous version of Windows (7 or 8) that Windows will activate with a Digital License, but this isn't the case here. This is a set of random parts with no previous license number involved.

Any ideas? Thanks!
 
Can we get the link from where you downloaded Win10?

I mean, you are going to post the one from M$... But the only way itll activate is either pirated or the mobo is used.

You sure you didn't get a refurb from Newegg? or possibly a returned motherboard that they tested and then shipped to you?
 
Mr. Ingram's Computer Repair & Shoppe said:
What version of Win10 did you install on the USB stick? x32/x64 home/pro/edu?

you may want to double check it didn't steal the key from the computer you made the USB stick on. (google how to check your keys in cmd #LazyTips)
Click to expand...
Windows 10 Home 64bit.

Very creative answer about the tool possibly taking the key from the machine I ran the USB image tool on. I checked with produkey and it doesn't show the same license number, unfortunately. I am going to remove the activation on the desktop, use the tool on the desktop and have it make the iso on that and see what happens when I load Windows then.
 
Mr. Ingram's Computer Repair & Shoppe said:
What version of Win10 did you install on the USB stick? x32/x64 home/pro/edu?

you may want to double check it didn't steal the key from the computer you made the USB stick on. (google how to check your keys in cmd #LazyTips)
Click to expand...

Is this actually a thing? Downloading an ISO using the MS Media Creation tool might result in the key of the downloading machine being somehow read and then used each time that ISO is used thereafter?

All the times I've used the tool, I've never had that happen. But maybe I wouldn't even realize if it had occurred?
 
mraikes said:
Is this actually a thing? Downloading an ISO using the MS Media Creation tool might result in the key of the downloading machine being somehow read and then used each time that ISO is used thereafter?

All the times I've used the tool, I've never had that happen. But maybe I wouldn't even realize if it had occurred?
Click to expand...
Agreed. Testing the theory right now by removing the activation on the desktop, using the tool on the desktop and have it make the iso on that (deactivated windows) and see what happens when I load Windows with the USB on the new desktop.
 
mraikes said:
Is this actually a thing? Downloading an ISO using the MS Media Creation tool might result in the key of the downloading machine being somehow read and then used each time that ISO is used thereafter?

All the times I've used the tool, I've never had that happen. But maybe I wouldn't even realize if it had occurred?
Click to expand...
Mr. Ingram's Computer Repair & Shoppe said:
you may want to double check it didn't steal the key from the computer you made the USB stick on. (google how to check your keys in cmd #LazyTips)
Click to expand...
I already don't think this is the case. I now remember that when you go to use the tool from MS, it asks if you are using the tool for the machine you are running the tool on currently, or to install Windows on another machine. Obviously, I chose to install Windows on another machine.
 
My guess is that it was a returned motherboard that was sold as new. The manufacturer might have resealed it in a brand new package and resold it to Newegg, or Newegg might have sold a board they knew was used as new.

The other theory I have is that the Windows update is screwed up on the computer. There have been MANY times where a machine won't activate or even accept a key and I'm forced to use an elevated command prompt to put in the product key manually. I've also had machines that say that they were activated only to have the settings app change its mind a few days/weeks later and say that it's not activated.

I would check the old style System window (type "Control Panel" in the start menu, choose "Large Icons" and then go to "System") as the old style control panel stuff never seems to get messed up like the Settings app does in Windows 10. This will let you know if the license is actually activated or if the Settings app is just lying to you.
 
sapphirescales said:
My guess is that it was a returned motherboard that was sold as new. The manufacturer might have resealed it in a brand new package and resold it to Newegg, or Newegg might have sold a board they knew was used as new.

The other theory I have is that the Windows update is screwed up on the computer. There have been MANY times where a machine won't activate or even accept a key and I'm forced to use an elevated command prompt to put in the product key manually. I've also had machines that say that they were activated only to have the settings app change its mind a few days/weeks later and say that it's not activated.

I would check the old style System window (type "Control Panel" in the start menu, choose "Large Icons" and then go to "System") as the old style control panel stuff never seems to get messed up like the Settings app does in Windows 10. This will let you know if the license is actually activated or if the Settings app is just lying to you.
Click to expand...
I appreciate your input, but I rarely use the Windows 10 settings. Our first step is always to change control panel to large icons and use those options as opposed to the Windows 10 menus.
 
RocklandCompRepair said:
I wish that was the easy answer, but this was brand new equipment direct from Newegg! And not from an authorized reseller. From Newegg themselves.
Click to expand...
So? It wouldn't be the first time I've heard of accusations of Newegg selling used or open box items as new. Google search turned up quite a few hits on that.
 
RocklandCompRepair said:
I appreciate your input, but I rarely use the Windows 10 settings. Our first step is always to change control panel to large icons and use those options as opposed to the Windows 10 menus.
Click to expand...

With respect, the old style Windows Update and Activation windows are now 100% in the Settings app. You CAN'T avoid using it for these things. The only thing we have left as an alternative is the command prompt. For example, you can get to the old System window using the control panel, but as soon as you click the "Activate Windows" or "Change Product Key" links, it redirects you to the Settings app.

I don't understand why all of the Windows 10 apps are so freaking buggy. If they're trying to replace Win32 they're doing a TERRIBLE job at it.
 
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