New computer received with Windows 10 Pro Activated - reinstall?

Hi all

New to both the forums and indeed Windows (Mac users for years, but recently bought a Thinkpad T460, very impressed so far), so apologies if this has been asked before: I recently bought my Thinkpad from ebay, from a guy that obviously got a load in for a work project that didn't need them. As such, it came with Windows activated, but loads of bonus MS Office/Project software. I bought partly due to this bonus software and I works great, very pleased.

However, I am mindful that Windows came with the user named as Register Owner (this is the user path - C:\Users\Registered Owner) and without me setting it up in my name. Is this cool? I am concerned for security reasons of course, but also am unsure how it works if I need to do a fresh install on the computer. If this was a mac I would simply reinstall, however I know I would lose my bonus software this way, since he stated he would not provide software keys for the MS software installed.

Can someone help with these two concerns please? Do I need to do anything going forward (like ask for the Windows Activation key, which did not come with the machine).

Many thanks

Dave

essenbe said:

Welcome to tenforums. The account set up as Registered User will be no problem at all. Many places do that because they don't know who the computer will be sold to. So, it is no problem and will cause no problem in a clean install. If you want a user account in your name, this will tell you how https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5...dows-10-a.html.

I hope that helps and answers your questions.

Yes, thanks. So there is no security risk - it is as if I am that 'Registered user' and there are no links (this is not the case with Apple, you see - a sold on iPad for example, can still be linked to the bios and therefore is rendered unable with a fresh install if they forget/do not unlink it).

alphanumeric said:

The product key for Windows 10 should be embedded in the BIOS, this utility will tell you if it is, and list the key. https://www.tenforums.com/software-ap...7-showkey.html If it is embedded in the BIOS, it will be auto detected on a clean install. The install media will find it all on its own.

Great, thanks. Just used the software and it gave me the key. Much obliged.