Just to chime in here as a long time Windows user (SQL Server DBA), you technically don't even need a key to run Windows. I run several Windows VMs in "unactivated" mode and have never run into any issues (I don't really like "wasting" keys on VMs). Granted that there a few restrictions, such as being unable to change desktop wallpaper, customize taskbar, etc. Generally, "look and feel" features. But, you will get all the security updates and retain full functionality of the O/S and it won't "expire". Note that this applies to Windows desktop, Windows Server will "expire" after about four months after which you must reinstall the O/S (total BS since SQL Server Developer edition is free & never expires, but the license is for dev purposes only not production use). I have bought keys from Kinguin.net over the years, but haven't done so it a while. They are legit keys, but technically they are OEM keys. A bit of a "grey" area, but use you're own judgement.
Hope this helps,
Peter
On 6/16/2023 7:31 AM, Anthony Radzykewycz via PLUG-discuss wrote:
> I’m curious to know if the keys bought off this site would match any keys found in places like this:
> https://gist.github.com/jhermsmeier/5959110. Also, what would be the liability if you paid for the license and that key was pirated like this?
> To be clear, I agree with the advocation of getting these keys as inexpensively as possible. Just thought I’d throw this out there and maybe you could do a quick compare just in case.
>
> On Fri, Jun 16, 2023 at 7:24 AM Keith Smith via PLUG-discuss <plug-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org> wrote:
>
> Thanks for sharing this Michael!! If I can get a legit copy of Win10
> and Win11 for cheep I will eventually install on a VM.
>
>
> On 2023-06-16 04:21, Michael Butash via PLUG-discuss wrote:
> >> Are the installation discs sufficient to install Win10 on a no-OS
> > computer (or a Linux computer with some extra space on the root
> > drive)?
> >
> > Yep, you install the iso from microsoft.com <http://microsoft.com> [1] so it's legit, vm or
> > hardware, give it a key during/after install, and off to the races.
> >
> > -mb
> >
> > On Thu, Jun 15, 2023 at 11:15 PM Steve Litt via PLUG-discuss
> > <plug-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org> wrote:
> >
> >> Michael Butash via PLUG-discuss said on Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:22:08
> >> -0700
> >>
> >>> So interestingly enough, if/when I need windoze, I often buy from a
> >>> place like THIS, as a method of getting Windoze officially
> >> licensed,
> >>> flat cheap.
> >>>
> > <http://mail.sendmailco.com/index.php/campaigns/tb637ap0sybfa/track-url/gv224svhyh867/11430a51e55c5971d23f31e2e7ede8b0f9331165>
> >>> It updates itself, never had a problem, and simply just works.
> >>
> >> Are these legitimate licenses, or Far-East knockoffs?
> >>
> >> Are the installation discs sufficient to install Win10 on a no-OS
> >> computer (or a Linux computer with some extra space on the root
> >> drive)?
> >>
> >> Can you install these as Qemu guests on my Linux computer?
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >>
> >> SteveT
> >>
> >> Steve Litt
> >> Autumn 2022 featured book: Thriving in Tough Times
> >> http://www.troubleshooters.com/bookstore/thrive.htm
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> >
> >
> > Links:
> > ------
> > [1] http://microsoft.com
> > ---------------------------------------------------
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