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Initially installing Windows 10 without activiation key
I am quite sure this question has been answered on this forum (before). Unfortunately, I don't have time to research before getting ready for work.
Here's the situation. I have created a bootable copy of the Windows 10 installer (from the Microsoft site) using one of my thumb drives. After work (tomorrow), I need to take this bootable media to my step-father's house to assist him in crashing windows and reinstalling a fresh/clean install due to a multitude of problems he is experiencing on his PC.
He doesn't have a license key for WIndows 10. And I am perfectly willing to go to the expense of buying one for him. "However", I don't want to buy a Win 10 license key (for something I'd never need myself) if I cannot get his PC working correctly.
Therefore, I want to know (from anyone on here with experience), can I use my USB Win 10 install media and "bypass" the prompt where it will ask me for an activation key? Again, I want to ensure I can get everything runnning from the desktop "first" including all of his programs. If my memory serves me correctly, I am "thinking" Microsoft will allow me to "bypass" the activation key prompt temporarily and then go back in there and active Win 10 within 24 hours or whatever the deadline may be.
Any knowledge (about the current procedures from MS), from one of the knowledgable forum members here would be greatly appreciated. I just don't want to spend the money unnecesarily for a new Win10 license until I am sure that his PC will continue to operate correctly.
He is having issues (which I don't need to get into here). And I am hoping a simple crash and a clean install of windows will resolve. Through the years, I've had plenty of experience crashing and doing a clean install. I just don't know the current policies about MS and whether or not the installation media will allow me to do.
Thanks so much for any replies here.