Windows 10: Need to reset a windows laptop without recovery key due to account owner passing

A loved one has passed and left a windows laptop to my mother in her will. From what I understand I need to reset using a usb drive recovery which should allow a reset without using the linked microsoft account. Before I purchase an appropriate usb drive, I want to check: - does my mother need to pay for a new windows package? She was gifted the laptop in the will but I presume software ownership is ended with the owner's passing? - does it matter what windows package the laptop was previously on? We have no idea. Is there a difference in how you reset? Is there anything else we should be do

:)

 

Reset Protection Recovery Key

I have the same issue. I have tried all of my saved recovery keys and none of them seem to work and my device doesn't show up in my devices list anymore. I am the only owner and am part of the windows insider program and since I have tried doing a reset
it doesn't allow me to pass this spot. super frustrating, especially knowing that I saved all of my recovery keys.

 

Reset Protection Recovery Key

I had to do a hard rest and I have tried all of my saved recovery keys and none of them seem to work and my device doesn't show up in my devices list anymore. I am the only owner and am part of the windows insider
program and since I have tried doing a reset it doesn't allow me to pass this spot. super frustrating, especially knowing that I saved all of my recovery keys.

 

reset recovery protection key

Hello Paul,

To further assist you, you need to ask the original owner to reset the device and remove it from their account by following the steps below:

• 
  Go to account.microsoft.com/devices.
  
• 
  Next to the phone you no longer own, select Remove phone.
  
• 
  Select the I'm ready to remove my phone check box, note the recovery key, and then select
  Remove. The recovery key will display on the page and will also be emailed to you.
  
• 
  When you're certain that you have your recovery key saved, select the
  I've kept a copy of the recovery key check box, and then select
  Okay.
  
• 
  Forward the recovery key email to your phone recipient.
  

If there was no account that was associated with the device, make sure to check your
Microsoft account.

If the problem still persists, visit the nearest Lumia Care Point Location on your area.

Let us know how it goes.