Advice Request Windows 10 key from eBay safe?

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TheSoftener

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Jan 30, 2019
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Yo everyone, wondering if anyone's got some knowledge on windows 10 product keys bought from third party sellers or eBay. I bought a cheap key and I know it's most likely too good to be true, but I'm wondering if I could potentially do any harm to my PC by entering the given key. I already have a safe version of Windows 10 installed that's just waiting for a key. I am aware of the product key virus, but that seems like malware someone gets when they download a file. I'm just wondering if the worst thing that could happen to my PC if I punch this key in, is it doesn't accept it? Can someone create a product key that if put in to a computer, can remotely control it and lock me out of my PC? I'm sure I already know the answer but thanks to anyone in advance who can help.
 

Ink

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Jan 8, 2011
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If you use the official Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft, your Windows installation(s) will be clean.

As for buying license keys they may not be genuine.
> Windows 10 OEM key/license off eBay
> If the license key gets blacklisted, it's your fault for taking that risk. That $5 goes into the pocket of the seller, and probably make $100's per week by selling these keys.
> You're supporting piracy and criminals.

Key generators (keygen), cracks and other warez to pirate software are potentially dangerous to your security, and privacy.
 

TairikuOkami

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May 13, 2017
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I'm just wondering if the worst thing that could happen to my PC if I punch this key in, is it doesn't accept it?
Pretty much. I buy cheap keys for years and never had any serious problem. If it is for a company, you can provide the proof of a purchase. It does not matter, where you got it or how much it cost, you bought it and that is the end of it, at least in EU, where you can resell even OEM keys.
 

LDogg

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Not recommended to get any key from eBay. If you an old laptop just use the key on the back. Least its legitimate and won't be blacklisted.

Never ideal getting product key and serial keys online unless it's from the company such as Adobe etc

~LDogg
 

Dave Russo

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May 26, 2014
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I bought one maybe a year ago mailed to me not e-mailed, in a microsoft corporation small envelope,worked and has been accepted as legit,think I paid about 10 dollars,once again it was a DVD not e-mail,Windows 10 pro,looked again at e-bay now there about 29 dollars
 

Hollow

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Dec 29, 2018
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If you use the official Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft, your Windows installation(s) will be clean.

As for buying license keys they may not be genuine.
> Windows 10 OEM key/license off eBay
> If the license key gets blacklisted, it's your fault for taking that risk. That $5 goes into the pocket of the seller, and probably make $100's per week by selling these keys.
> You're supporting piracy and criminals.

Key generators (keygen), cracks and other warez to pirate software are potentially dangerous to your security, and privacy.
They are didn’t use the keygen
They are using msdn subscription to get unlimited keys and they sell for low price
Once the subscription ends maybe keys will automatically deactivated
 

Atlas147

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Jul 28, 2014
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Will it directly harm your computer? Probably not, the most it could do is that it might deactivate when microsoft finds out that some of their keys have been misused.

I would rather save myself the hassle and get a legitimate key from the MS store or look for resellers that are official.
 

Dhruv2193

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Nov 7, 2016
468
It is good not to trust keys from ebay. Maybe some may be genuine but it is a risk not worth taking. So my strong advice would be to not buy them from ebay.
 
Last edited:
L

Local Host

It will not harm your PC in anyway, the worst it can happen is the Key getting blacklisted by Microsoft and you lose your activation.
Not recommended to get any key from eBay. If you an old laptop just use the key on the back. Least its legitimate and won't be blacklisted.

Never ideal getting product key and serial keys online unless it's from the company such as Adobe etc

~LDogg
Good luck using OEM Keys on multiple PCs, those KEYs only work on the specific hardware they came with (meaning won't work anywhere else, besides the specific laptop).
 

shmu26

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Jul 3, 2015
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Using a Windows activation key from eBay will not hurt your computer or compromise your privacy. If it works, it is unlikely that it will be deactivated at a later time, and if the unlikely happens, all you lost was $5. That's what you are risking.
No comment on the ethical and legal implications of such a purchase. It likely depends on where the seller got the key from, and the laws and ethics of your country.
 

jogs

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Nov 19, 2012
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I don't think MS is going to block keys anymore, they now want more and more people to use Windows. MS is losing out to Google in nearly every aspect.
They want to have more users even if they don't provide any direct monetary benefit to them. They will be a boon to MS in the long run.
 

shmu26

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Jul 3, 2015
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I don't think MS is going to block keys anymore, they now want more and more people to use Windows. MS is losing out to Google in nearly every aspect.
They want to have more users even if they don't provide any direct monetary benefit to them. They will be a boon to MS in the long run.
I agree that M$ is willing to look the other way when it comes to questionable Windows activation, for their own benefit. But from a legal perspective, I would not want to be the office manager when there is a government audit and it is found that the whole business network lives on eBay licenses.
 
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