Question Installing Windows 11 Pro with key purchased from 3rd party website ?

[Alexoferith]

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help me. I am an old timer relatively experienced in installing Windows using disks, CDs and DVDs. I am retired now. I got myself an ASUS gaming laptop last January. To cut a long story short. It has develped a fault that I get a blue screen with various error codes each time but mostly "IRQ not less or equal to...". Using Tom's Hardware's forum, I was advised to reinstall Windows.

I have since found out that my laptop was "upgraded" to Win 11 pro as it came with Win 11 Home. I also found out that Asus Armoury Crate, due to its LED part of software that maybe causing the IRQ error because disabling the service seemed to cure the boot problem, but only occassionally. By the way, I did have all the software updated to the latest, including Windows update, Armoury Crate, MyAsus, and GPU drivers.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, because my 1TB NVMe SSD is getting full due to me not wanting to uninstall some of my favourite games. I am considering upgrading it to 2TB. Together with the suggestion earlier that I should reinstall Windows, hence I am seriously thinking of getting a copy of Win 11 Pro myself. Strangely enough, most shops in UK don't have the DVD in stock, not even the USB version. I have learnt that I can just purchase a key from 3rd party website as seen on Youtube ad on some Youtubers' channel. I am guessing that I can download the installer somewhere and use the key to activate it ?

My question is (to confirm what I am guessing) where exactly to download the Win OS installer from (I am guessing Microsoft, but where exactly and how?). Is there any website to avoid to buy this key. I have read some years ago that such purchased key, though legitimate, when using it, it said that it already registered by other users or organizations?!!?!

I am most grateful if any advice can be given on how to avoid the so called "bloatware" coming with this Microsoft installer. I mean where to go to have a read or something like that. Many, many many thanks in advance.

 

[USAFRet]

It already has Win 11 Pro on it?
Fully activated?

If so, you do not need to buy another license.
Verify the activation status in your MS account.

You can get the install file direct from Microsoft.

How To - Windows 11 clean install tutorial

Windows 11 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows 11, version 23H2 or newer but can be equally applied to earlier versions which may have some basic differences in the screens you see but will largely remain similar in...

forums.tomshardware.com

Assuming your current license is linked to your MS account, it should just activate itself in the fresh install.

 

[Alexoferith]

It already has Win 11 Pro on it?
Fully activated?

If so, you do not need to buy another license.
Verify the activation status in your MS account.

You can get the install file direct from Microsoft.

How To - Windows 11 clean install tutorial

Windows 11 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows 11, version 23H2 or newer but can be equally applied to earlier versions which may have some basic differences in the screens you see but will largely remain similar in...

forums.tomshardware.com

Assuming your current license is linked to your MS account, it should just activate itself in the fresh install.

Thank you very much for your response. Thank you...

Damn, I totally forgot about my license!!! I really cannot remember where I have placed it... damn, damn, damn... Actually, the laptop came with Win 11 Home edition and I asked the shop to put Win 11 Pro on it and if I remember correctly, I had paid for the installation. But I just cannot remember if I got the license or not. But the fact is that the Win 11 Pro on this laptop is properly activated. Or did they gave me something like enterprise edition? In any case, the price of the key is pretty cheap. Instead of paying £269 for the disc or USB version, the key only cost, well, if I remember correctly, 1st time customer is only £14!!!! And some cost around £69. Yes, yes, I know... when it is too good to be true, there must be a catch... Or is there? But I thought £14 worth a risk. Not £269!

 

[ThereAndBackAgain]

I have read some years ago that such purchased key, though legitimate, when using it, it said that it already registered by other users or organizations?!!?!

Instead of paying £269 for the disc or USB version, the key only cost, well, if I remember correctly, 1st time customer is only £14!!!! And some cost around £69. Yes, yes, I know... when it is too good to be true, there must be a catch...

The cheap Windows keys are not legitimately obtained.

 

[logainofhades]

If your current install is activated for your laptop, you do not need your license key to reactivate, after an install. The license is tied to the motherboard in your laptop. Just do a fresh install, on the new drive, and choose the I don't have a product key option. Let it install, and it will activate after you have it connected to the internet.

 

[SkyNetRising]

the laptop came with Win 11 Home edition and I asked the shop to put Win 11 Pro on
But the fact is that the Win 11 Pro on this laptop is properly activated.
Or did they gave me something like enterprise edition?

It doesn't seem, you're sure about your windows edition.
Can you please double check it?
Settings/System/About

If possible - make a screenshot and show here
(upload to imgur.com and post link)

 

[davyonetobin]

If u run a cmd as follows
slmgr /dli
It will show the type of licence you have retail/ OEM or whatever but most licences are linked to the laptop by seller or linked to Microsoft account so then no matter if you do a clean install on existing ssd or new ssd as long as it's same laptop and same Microsoft account it shouldn't need activation key as it will reactivate but should it not automatically do it you can call Microsoft and give them your account info and they can reactivate your licence free

 

[USAFRet]

In any case, the price of the key is pretty cheap. Instead of paying £269 for the disc or USB version, the key only cost, well, if I remember correctly, 1st time customer is only £14!!!! And some cost around £69. Yes, yes, I know... when it is too good to be true, there must be a catch... Or is there? But I thought £14 worth a risk. Not £269!

With Windows, the license key is the only thing that costs money.
The install file is free, direct from MS.

 

[Alexoferith]

After running "slmgr /dli", this is the message:

Name: Windows(R), Professional Edition
Description: Windows(R) Operating System, OEM_COA_NSLP channel
Partial Product key: WTYP4
License Status: Licensed

 

[USAFRet]

After running "slmgr /dli", this is the message:

Name: Windows(R), Professional Edition
Description: Windows(R) Operating System, OEM_COA_NSLP channel
Partial Product key: WTYP4
License Status: Licensed

OK, so Win 1x Pro.

Is this linked to your MS account?