You are making so many erroneous statements.
You are confusing product keys with and MS account/passwords
The product key has only one function - to activate windows.
Many pcs have no key embedded in bios at all.
You do not need an MS account to run full bitlocker. It is only needed for bitlocker device encryption on Windows 10/11 Home.
Where on earth do you get the idea you need an MS product key (or MS account) to enter safe mode - that is nonsense.
I never said PK is required to have MS account. I have been dealing with locating PK in new PC's each time there is a need for installation of MS-owned software (MSN account is not one of them). Havng MSN account requires just enrollment, much like getting to be a TEN forum member. ...just enroll and fill in the blanks.
With this PC I just bought, I have been asked repeatedly by MSN for PK#, not to install OS but some MS-owned utilities like Office. I was surprised when I was asked for PK trying to unlock Bitlocker to get to Safe mode.. All this inconveniences ...because I have no MS365. I refused to be strong-armed to pay $100.00 for MS 365.
Because you probably have MS365, which you need for the kind of internet usage you engage in everyday; which I do not need for my kind of surfing. We are two very different internet users. I am purely strictly recreational. No serious surfing. No business. For anything more than checking mail and watching video streamers and catching up with world events , pro-sports events ... it is done in the office which is well equipped with MS-owned utilities, including MS 365. Digressing a bit, I do not know why we have Xbox there. I don't in my PC. This is just to underline what kind of user I am.
This is not necessarily true. I've had (still have) access to free Microsoft Office 365 because I'm still a registered student at a university. You can use the suite on any PC running any version of Windows. Most students just run a regular version Windows, usually Home. The only requirement is on you to ensure your PC can run Office 365.
And yeah, you have to deal with the school's or businesses IT department for any issues or activation problems. Anyway, I no longer use my school's services as I no longer want to be tied to their account, and thus bought my own copy last year.
BTW, there also seem to be some misleading information about Office 365 Personal ($69 dollars). For clarity, "Personal" is for 1 user who can install on 5 PCs. Family ($99 dollars, and the one I use) allow for 6 users, 5 PCs each.
Office 365 subscriptions - On how many devices can Office be installed
Speaking of MS bullying me because I refuse to pay $100.00 for MS #365, here is an example: I notice a new app in my taskbar marked N (new quick note). I clicked it and a window apparently for its use popped out but instantly covered by another pop up from MSN ."
I have been here and it requires PK# to elude paying for MS 565 and try downloading any utilities, free or not.
After filling in PK#, y0u are given option what MS utilities you want to pay for, including just Office for @69.00.
Nope. I have standard internet from Xfinity (Comcast). Windows 10 Pro (I paid for upgrade from Home which came with my computer) and Office Professional Plus 2019 which I purchased a product key for using the Microsoft Home Use Program which my employer made me eligible for at the time. The thing is, I purchased a product key for Windows 10 Pro, and I purchased a product key for Office 2019 - which is the normal way that old timers like me used to obtain software back in the days - we paid for it.
Now, all these issues you have with being asked for product keys for all sorts of "Microsoft Owned Utilities" is a new one that we have not heard of before - unless maybe you are running the trial versions of those products and they are asking you to activate them.
Ahh. OK. Yes, you got the free trial versions of the products when you installed Windows. The free trial period is over. You are free to buy it or leave it. If you don't like the fact that you have to pay for Microsoft Office, there are a couple of other office suites available for free such as OpenOffice:Speaking of MS bullying me because I refuse to pay $100.00 for MS #365, here is an example: I notice a new app in my taskbar marked N (new quick note). I clicked it and a window apparently for its use popped out but instantly covered by another pop up from MSN .
I have been here and it requires PK# to elude paying for MS 565 and try downloading any utilities, free or not.
Apache OpenOffice - Official Site - The Free and Open Productivity Suite
Since I paid for my Microsoft Office, one of the first things I do when doing a clean install of Windows is to uninstall the trial version of Office included with Windows.
That means you are in school or work account with MSN. For any installation you want, you go about it thru your account administrator.(school or work) you do not have your own personal account with MSN. and that's why, on your own, you have to get your own PK# to install your own Office pro. You could have asked your account admin to install Office pro (if he/she approves). The initial PK# is not yours personally. The second one that you paid for is yours.
Now, if you were on your own, to fill in the PK# in that pop up window, you will see anotheer pop up widow that alerts you to two options: (1) pay $100.00 for MS365 (or trial without paying) (2) choose other utility for less, like Office for $69.00.I
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My suspicion is: this HP certified refurbished laptop came with a trial subscription for MS365. It was refurbished in Nov. 2021, keeping same serial number and Product ID number. But by the time it was sold to me, the trial period is over. I had same prob with the 90-day warranty. It has expired at purchase time. My seller had to negotiate with HP to have it restored. I am not sure negotiating is feasible with MS.
A "product key"Speaking of MS bullying me because I refuse to pay $100.00 for MS #365, here is an example: I notice a new app in my taskbar marked N (new quick note). I clicked it and a window apparently for its use popped out but instantly covered by another pop up from MSN .
I have been here and it requires PK# to elude paying for MS 565 and try downloading any utilities, free or not.
source: Microsoft - Product keys Frequently Asked QuestionsA product key allows you to use a software product you have licensed under a specific volume licensing program. The product keys listed in the Microsoft 365 admin center should be used only with volume license products and are intended for use only by your organization.
So, what that Window is actually telling you is you have no active 365 Product. So outside starting a trial you can buy Office 365 or provide a "Product Key" the "volume licensed" product to be activated. So "if" you have a "volume licensed" copy of Office 365, you will have to deal with the owners (business organization) of that account to which that copy belongs to - What determines which product keys are associated with my agreements?
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