windows 10 Buying Windows and Office - Newbie

MrBornheimer · May 20, 2021

Hello,

I am helping a former teacher at my school who's hard drive died. His computer is decent and still more than he needs. I was planning to put a simple SSD in it and install windows on the drive along with microsoft office. Does anyone know of any bundles for both Windows 10 Home and Microsoft Office 2019? I know I can download and install windows without a license to get the machine up and running, but he is not that tech savvy and I think a licensed version of both the operating system and microsoft office is the way to go. I just was hoping they didn't have to pay over a hundred dollars for each. Thank you!

AbydosOne · May 20, 2021

14 minutes ago, MrBornheimer said:

I think a licensed version of both the operating system and microsoft office is the way to go.

If the computer already had Windows 10 on it, it has a license. No need to buy another one as long as you install the same version that was originally installed.

Eighjan · May 20, 2021

1 hour ago, MrBornheimer said:

I just was hoping they didn't have to pay over a hundred dollars for each.

You don't have to... but to detail how, on here, would most likely be bannable.

GoodBytes · May 20, 2021

4 hours ago, MrBornheimer said:

Hello,

I am helping a former teacher at my school who's hard drive died. His computer is decent and still more than he needs. I was planning to put a simple SSD in it and install windows on the drive along with microsoft office. Does anyone know of any bundles for both Windows 10 Home and Microsoft Office 2019? I know I can download and install windows without a license to get the machine up and running, but he is not that tech savvy and I think a licensed version of both the operating system and microsoft office is the way to go. I just was hoping they didn't have to pay over a hundred dollars for each. Thank you!

If the computer came with Windows 10, the product key is stored in the UEFI. Windows will pick it up automatically when you'll install Windows 10. Just use Media Creation Tool to download and prep a USB flash drive for install. Then just connect the drive to the PC in question, and boot to it (if you have the option between booting from the USB flash drive under UEFI mode or not, pick UEFI.

if the system had Windows 7 or 8, and the product key is on the sticker on the system, simply install Windows 10, in the setup when it will ask you for a product key, pick "I don't have one", and in Windows 10 you go under Settings > Update & security > Activation, and you enter it there. Free upgrade offer still stands. If it fails, contact support chat (Start app: Get Help) they'll help you activate your license.

Windows 8 might also have the prod key in the UEFI. In this case, I forgot. I think just install Win10, as if Win10 key was purchased, so it should work. Worst come to worst, Install Win8, install drivers and all, and upgrade to Win10

For Office, teacher (and students with a school email) can get Office 365 for free.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

School IT department might help as well if he is not eligible for some reason.

For an out of the box experience:

When you reach the OOBE screen (the one where you pick your language, keyboard, wireless (if any), and so on, and Cortana talks after Windows was installed), hit CTRL+SHIFT+F3. You'll go in an account in Audit mode. From there you can activate Windows, install drivers. Don't waste your time customizing the account... it will be gone. Don't install Store apps, they'll have to be removed. That said you can install Win32 apps outside of the Store.

Once done, run sysprep and pick "generalize". System will restart and you'll be at the OOBE screen again, read for the new user to setup the account and do their stuff as if the system was purchased (this is how Dell, HP, etc, do it.. well they use automated solutions and make an image, and that is that is being deployed... but... details)

To learn more about all of this:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/boot-windows-to-audit-mode-or-oobe

If you think the teacher might have trouble, then you can skip the above, and just go through as normal, setting an account for him/her, and customize the account once in, to what you think is best, install programs and stuff. That said, that account would have to be a local one, else you'll need the teacher to enter the password each time you restart.