[SOLVED] Can PC security be compromised through windows 10 key?

[Impala640]

Hi, so my new PC I had to activate it through cmd and connected to a server to activate windows 10, I bought the key from a sketchy website for cheap could it have compromised my PC security and allow me to be hacked?

 

[punkncat]

I have never had to activate OS via terminal/cmd...sounds fishy.

 

[kanewolf]

Hi, so my new PC I had to activate it through cmd and connected to a server to activate windows 10, I bought the key from a sketchy website for cheap could it have compromised my PC security and allow me to be hacked?

Possibly. Unknown what that server website did. Most likely scenario is that you activated against an enterprise license and it will be deactivated in a few months.

 

[USAFRet]

Hi, so my new PC I had to activate it through cmd and connected to a server to activate windows 10, I bought the key from a sketchy website for cheap could it have compromised my PC security and allow me to be hacked?

"and connected to a server to activate" ?
Yes, that could have resulted in many things you DO NOT WANT.

Stop right now.
Do a FULL wipe and reinstall.
Win 10 direct from Microsoft. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

When it asks for the license key, skip that portion and proceed on.

This will be Unactivated, until such time as you choose to purchase a valid license key. Generally around $100.

It will run just fine, with the few small restrictions that come with an Unactivated Win 10 install.



Beyond that, you'll not get any assistance here with pirated software. None.

 

[USAFRet]

I have never had to activate OS via terminal/cmd...sounds fishy.

Not 'sounds'...IS.

 

[Impala640]

Not 'sounds'...IS.

I wiped it and am buying a key off of Newegg do I have to wipe my secondary drive too?

 

[USAFRet]

I wiped it and am buying a key off of Newegg do I have to wipe my secondary drive too?

Seeing as this is a brand new install, I probably would.

And during the new install on the SSD, have ONLY the SSD connected.

 

[Impala640]

Seeing as this is a brand new install, I probably would.

And during the new install on the SSD, have ONLY the SSD connected.

Okay, mind if I ask what the purpose of that would be?

 

[USAFRet]

Okay, mind if I ask what the purpose of that would be?

When installing the OS, if there is more than a single drive connected, Windows will probably put the small boot partition (System Reserved) on 'the other drive'.
It is not something you choose or can influence.

Later, if you wish to remove that drive or it dies...no bot for you.

Having only one drive connected prevents this. Everything ends up on your desired physical drive.

 

[Impala640]

When installing the OS, if there is more than a single drive connected, Windows will probably put the small boot partition (System Reserved) on 'the other drive'.
It is not something you choose or can influence.

Later, if you wish to remove that drive or it dies...no bot for you.

Having only one drive connected prevents this. Everything ends up on your desired physical drive.

Ah I see, I have done so