Windows 10: Remove an OEM product key embedded in the UEFI firmware chip

I recently purchased a used lenovo m75q thinkcentre. When powered up it started with a new Windows user configuration that required a corporate login/email. Basically there was nothing I could do with the computer. I tried installing a new windows OS and even changed out the SSD but nothing would get me past the corporate login screen. I assume this has to do with the OEM product key or something else on the motherboard. Is there any way for me wipe or remove the need to use a corporate login/email? Or is this computer a brick?

:)

 

clean install of W10 - embedded key, and Legacy MBR/BIOS v UEFI choice

Call me a coward.... but I think I'm going to stick with the Legacy/BIOS option. The ThinkPad X240 on which I want to do a clean install currently has that corporate KMS Win10 installed in Legacy mode. I assume it is capable of UEFI (?).

But right now I believe UEFI is disabled in the BIOS. When I go looking via Settings>Recovery>Troubleshoot>Advanced, there is no "UEFI Firmware Settings" button or option.

We've established (via Showkey Plus) that there is an embedded OEM Win8 Key - and i have made a note of it.

So I have downloaded the Win10 ISO, put it on a USB stick using Rufus , and I think I'm ready to go.

But as I read through the steps in the "Clean Install" tutorial, I see this quote at step 9:

"If this is an OEM PC that has a valid product key embedded in its UEFI firmware chip, then you will not be prompted to enter a product key."

Fine. But note my underlining. Now this might seem a dumb question. But if I am installing in Legacy mode, will the Win10 installer still see that key embedded in the UEFI firmware and still skip the screen which asks about the product key?

Or if that screen does come up.... do I enter the embedded key details?

I'm just trying to be ready for any contingency, rather than getting to step 9 and not knowing how to proceed!

 

Find Product Key in Windows 10  


Hello Jeff, *Smile

Since this is a new OEM PC, its product key will be embedded in the UEFI firmware chip. This product key will automatically be detected and used by Windows Setup while installing Windows 10.

If you installed the same Windows 10 the key is for, then it should activate when you connect to the Internet.

 

Uninstall Product Key and Deactivate Windows 10  

Done and dusted! Changed the product key to the OEM Key shown by ShowKeyPlus and the activation page now shows 'Windows is activated with a digital licence'.
Thanks Brink and thanks ShowKeyPlus.