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I bought a used computer and don't have a recovery key...how can I access

Anonymous
2024-08-15T05:28:09+00:00

If I use laptop or the thrift store I can't get beyond the bit whatever page it is highly frustrating I don't have a recovery key so am I just screwed

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. Gunasekar N 65,985 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-08-15T06:04:14+00:00

    Hello Jadzy,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community and I'll be glad to assist you today.

    It is possible that the previous user might have activated BitLocker and stored the recovery key in their Microsoft account. So, it is recommended to completely wipe the PC using a clean installation method and setup the PC from scratch.

    To proceed, you'll need to create a Windows 10 bootable installation media drive and reinstall Windows.

    To create a Bootable installation media, you will need a different computer (Working one) to do this.

    1. Plug in an empty USB drive (min 8GB) to a working computer.
    2. Download the Windows 10 Media creation tool from the link below.

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

    1. When the download is complete, open the tool from your downloads folder, and then select "Yes" when asked if you would like to allow the app to make changes to your device.
    2. When the Windows 10 Setup guide appears, accept the license terms and agreements.
    3. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC, and then select Next.
    4. Choose a language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit), and then select Next.
    5. Select USB flash drive, and then select Next.
    6. Follow the steps to create installation media, and then select Finish.

    9.  Attach the USB flash drive or insert the DVD on the PC where you want to install Windows 10.

    1. Restart your PC and continuously press F12 or ESC or DEL key to launch the boot options and select your USB drive.
    2. On the Install Windows page, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and then select Next.
    3. Select Install Windows.

    Windows 10 clean install-

    (See the article posted by "Andre Da Costa" for the reference)

    https://answers.microsoft.com/thread/aef0ae63-2...

    I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will be happy to help you further.

    Best regards,

    Gunasekar N

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