Windows 10: Can't Reactivate Windows 10

In short: Legitimate copy of Windows has apparently unactivated itself despite no hardware changes. Haven't been able to reactivate it, as it's locked behind an organization that doesn't exist.


I've used this computer for many years now, it was initially a Windows 7 install and was upgraded to Windows 10 back when they were offering that for free. Recently after some issues where I couldn't open things like the device manager, I followed the advice written here not sure if this actually caused any problems, but it's the only unusual thing I did. It seemed to work to solve my problem, but after rebooting the "Activate Windows" watermark started showing up. I had an update I had yet to install, so I proceeded to download it and then restart and update, and the watermark remained.


According to Settings, I have Win 10 Education, I don't remember this to be the case as my computer was bought at a store as parts, where they assembled it for me on the spot and I paid for a Windows license. Regardless, it says it can't activate without connecting to an organization. An organization that doesn't exist, since I got this key myself. Logging into activate digital license doesn't work either, despite this account being the only Microsoft account I have and definitely the one I would've been using on initial install.


I have tried downloading ShowKeyPlus and retrieving keys from there. Strangely, when I enter a my original key from ShowKeyPlus or this generic key recommended on this Microsoft support answer, I get a message telling me Windows activated successfully and the watermark disappears, but the Activation menu in settings still says I'm not activated and I see the activation prompt elsewhere.


I also tried an old Windows 7 key I had around that I verified using ShowKeyPlus, I get the error " 0xc004f210".

:)

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Unlocked Realtek HD Audio Drivers Windows 7 & 8 (With Dolby Digital Live and DTS Interactive)

DTS supported natively by Windows 8/8.1 and it should work on windows 10 too just DDL require to unlock your driver .

 

Is it time for Windows 10 already?

Here's a good step by step guide on doing a fresh install.

How to clean install Windows 10 from a USB drive - Software - Feature - HEXUS.net