Solved Windows 11 Pro Installation (Personal Issue + Inquiry)

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

Hello.

So I bought a Windows 11 Profession Product Key from a local store. I've been using it for almost 2 months now. However, I'm concerned about whether or not someone has been controlling my device(Laptop) through me using the product key.

The reason I suspect this is because after resetting my device and entering the product key, Windows Defender and Location were not working. Although I fixed the Windows Defender and installed new updates - Location is still disabled.

I tried troubleshooting it in ways that I know including Reinstalling Maps and Built-in Troubleshooter. But all of these proved to be useless.

I also tried looking for suspicious apps and processes, however, I was unable to find any that raised a red flag.

Going back to the main issue, can anyone please tell me how to detect or know if my device is being used by someone remotely (as a business device or whatever)? And if so, how do I prevent this? Thank you!

Berton · Jun 20, 2024

The first question that comes to mind is if the computer is still Activated, right-click the Start button and go to System. I've changed a few computers from Home to Pro and only had to enter the Pro key in the Product key and activation section then run Windows Update to finish. Most things for Pro are in the Home install but not activated and there will be some updates to get.

What kind of "local store"? Based upon some features not working I'd also be concerned about it.

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

Berton said:
The first question that comes to mind is if the computer is still Activated, right-click the Start button and go to System. I've changed a few computers from Home to Pro and only had to enter the Pro key in the Product key and activation section then run Windows Update to finish. Most things for Pro are in the Home install but not activated and there will be some updates to get.

What kind of "local store"? Based upon some features not working I'd also be concerned about it.

A shady local store lmao. But I did check the product key itself. It is legit and is from a retail channel. Just really concerned if someone has remote access to my device.

Also, I do have my Microsoft account set as Administrator in my laptop, though I don't know if that gives helpful info.

+ What triggered my concern is that the seller told me that if there are any issues with the key, I just need to contact them via AnyDesk and Teamviewer, which can remotely access other PCs (I don't know if this is common for sellers to do this).

Tried searching for any signs of these apps in my device, thankfully I haven't seen anything.

Berton · Jun 20, 2024

When installing Windows the first or only User has Administrative rights whether using a Microsoft Account or a Local Account. The only other rights choice is Standard which has less rights and can't do some things. There is also a hidden Administrator account but it isn't, and shouldn't be, visible until needed which it normally isn't.

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

Berton said:
When installing Windows the first or only User has Administrative rights whether using a Microsoft Account or a Local Account. The only other rights choice is Standard which has less rights and can't do some things. There is also a hidden Administrator account but it isn't, and shouldn't be, visible until needed which it normally isn't.

Is there like a way to know if my device is being accessed by someone else?

Or if not, is there a way to change or revert back to my old Windows 11 SingleCoreLanguage?

Berton · Jun 20, 2024

Unplug or turn off the Modem or Modem/Router and see if there's any activity on the computer.

Going back to Home will require reinstalling Windows but on a fully cleaned drive to eliminate any possible infections.

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

Berton said:
Unplug or turn off the Modem or Modem/Router and see if there's any activity on the computer.

Going back to Home will require reinstalling Windows but on a fully cleaned drive to eliminate any possible infections.

Okay so I turned the router, I noticed that the Windows Defender icon had an X on it for a second before turning back into a Check sign.

What's that supposed to mean? Also, Antimalware Service Executable process is always using at least 250MB+ of memory.

Berton · Jun 20, 2024

The first usually means the program hadn't fully loaded yet and second means the program is running in the background providing protection, both are good things.

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

Berton said:
The first usually means the program hadn't fully loaded yet and second means the program is running in the background providing protection, both are good things.

I guess I'm worried about nothing (?)

In case that I buy a new license/product key from Windows themselves for a Windows 11 Home and used it in my device, there won't be any data left in the Win 11 Pro product key itself right?

Or do/can you want to suggest something else?

I'm seriously thinking of resetting my device and just buy a W11 Home from Windows

andrew129260 · Jun 20, 2024

NyxR said:
However, I'm concerned about whether or not someone has been controlling my device(Laptop) through me using the product key.

It is not possible for a product key to control a computer.

If you want to do a full clean install, see here:

Clean Install Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes...

www.elevenforum.com

Berton · Jun 20, 2024

If I were doing it I'd download the Microsoft Media Creation Tool, a small file which when opened brings a Web page which allows downloading an .iso file of more than 5GB used to burn a bootable DVD+R/DL disc [holds 8GB] or a choice to create/write the bootable USB drive of 8GB or larger. Boot to either one and do a clean install. If Win10 or Win11 had been installed there should be a digital license and entering a number not needed. If having a Retail Pro key there will be a step to add that. As for Pro or Home, I have computers with both and for my needs don't see much difference but I don't do chat, Meetings, Teams, etc.

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

Berton said:
If I were doing it I'd download the Microsoft Media Creation Tool, a small file which when opened brings a Web page which allows downloading an .iso file of more than 5GB used to burn a bootable DVD+R/DL disc [holds 8GB] or a choice to create/write the bootable USB drive of 8GB or larger. Boot to either one and do a clean install. If Win10 or Win11 had been installed there should be a digital license and entering a number not needed. If having a Retail Pro key there will be a step to add that. As for Pro or Home, I have computers with both and for my needs don't see much difference but I don't do chat, Meetings, Teams, etc.

The history of my laptop is:

Windows 11 CoreSingleLanguage
to Windows 11 Pro

I think I can do a clean installation but, won't the 'shady' Windows 11 Pro interrupt the system getting the original which is the Windows 11 CoreSingleLanguage?

Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, I'm not really adept in this

andrew129260 · Jun 20, 2024

NyxR said:
The history of my laptop is:

Windows 11 CoreSingleLanguage
to Windows 11 Pro

I think I can do a clean installation but, won't the 'shady' Windows 11 Pro interrupt the system getting the original which is the Windows 11 CoreSingleLanguage?

Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, I'm not really adept in this

Relax, Follow the tutorial I sent you and stop worrying over nothing :)

andrew129260 · Jun 20, 2024

You can use option two from here to download the iso file to proceed with the install tutorial

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to create a bootable USB flash drive used to install Windows 11 with UEFI support. You can use a Windows 11 installation USB flash drive to clean install, upgrade, reset, or repair Windows 11. The installation USB can also be used as a recovery drive to boot to...

www.elevenforum.com

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

andrew129260 said:
You can use option two from here to download the iso file to proceed with the install tutorial

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to create a bootable USB flash drive used to install Windows 11 with UEFI support. You can use a Windows 11 installation USB flash drive to clean install, upgrade, reset, or repair Windows 11. The installation USB can also be used as a recovery drive to boot to...

www.elevenforum.com

Will do. I might ask for a few questions just in case I run into trouble haha
Thanks!

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

andrew129260 said:
You can use option two from here to download the iso file to proceed with the install tutorial

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to create a bootable USB flash drive used to install Windows 11 with UEFI support. You can use a Windows 11 installation USB flash drive to clean install, upgrade, reset, or repair Windows 11. The installation USB can also be used as a recovery drive to boot to...

www.elevenforum.com

Okay so I was watching a tutorial from windows microsoft.com/en-us/windowsinsider/cleaninstall
And I have a question about the thing she said in 3:06

Will that automatically activate the original product key? or the newly installed 11 Pro?

Note* My original is 11 CoreSingleLanguage

I'm currently on this step:

andrew129260 · Jun 20, 2024

Just use the tutorials I sent you. Don't make this harder than it needs to be. If you read the tutorial I sent you it tells you the key would be used automatically to choose the right version. It will then activate yes. You got this :)

NyxR · Jun 20, 2024

andrew129260 said:
Just use the tutorials I sent you. Don't make this harder than it needs to be. If you read the tutorial I sent you it tells you the key would be used automatically to choose the right version. It will then activate yes. You got this :)

Hi again! I'm done downloading the Windows 11 media.

Side track for a bit. Should I remove/unlink my NitroX (W11 Pro) before going on the actual installing process?

NitroX is the W11 Pro, while the Nitro is the W11SingleCoreLanguage.

Just asking since I don't want any problems during the process. Thanks

andrew129260 · Jun 20, 2024

NyxR said:
Hi again! I'm done downloading the Windows 11 media.

Side track for a bit. Should I remove/unlink my NitroX (W11 Pro) before going on the actual installing process?

NitroX is the W11 Pro, while the Nitro is the W11SingleCoreLanguage.

Just asking since I don't want any problems during the process. Thanks
View attachment 99641

You can if you want. I never had any issues reinstalling whether or not it was connected. When you install windows use the new product key you bought during the install. Then if you connect it with your microsoft account it will back that up to your Microsoft account.

glasskuter · Jun 20, 2024

IMO I think you are worrying unnecessarily. I also think (unless there are circumstances we are not being told) that there is absolutely no reason to clean install windows and I would certainly not suggest that you do so. A product key is nothing but a set of numbers and letters. It cannot contain some hidden code that hacks into your computer or network.

Unless you have given someone direct access to your system to help you activate that key, a product key in and of itself in no way has anything to do with allowing outside interference to your computer or your home network.
Now, if you allowed someone to install Teamviewer or Anydesk (or you did it yourself per their instructions using a link they provided you) that's a different story.