6 Posts
0
459
January 26th, 2021 06:00
I use linux on my XPS15. Can I use legally install Win10 on a VM instead? How?
Hello friends,
I bought an XPS15 (7150) which I use to run Ubuntu. Unfortunately (gah!) work for a new client requires me to install Windows 10.
Obviously, the laptop came with Win10 installed, however, I do NOT want to make it my main OS. I would like to use the license to run it within a Virtual Machine. Is this possible? How would I go about doing it given that I keep reading Dell don't give out serial keys?
Any constructive help/advice would be appreciated!
Ben
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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February 2nd, 2021 06:00
A virtual machine is considered a separate device for the purposes of activation and requires its own license.
Either buy key directly from Microsoft or get an OEM DVD with Key
You cannot make a copy of the VM and run it on other machines as it will know if you do that.
OEM is cheaper than retail
https://www.newegg.com/microsoft-windows-10-pro-64-bit/p/N82E16832588491
The other way to do this if you have windows 10 key in bios is to make the machine Windows 10.
Then install Linux Alongside windows and you wont need a new key.
Install Linux alongside Windows: This method is called dual booting Linux with Windows. Here, you install Linux on a system that already has Windows. And when your system powers up, you can choose if you want to use Windows or Linux. This involves touching the disk partition and sometimes boot order. Absolute beginners often find it complicated but this is the best way to use Linux and Windows together in one system.
This is not a one click reboot and done process.
This is not supported by Dell or Microsoft but it works fine.
There is support for Redhat, UBUNTU, etc.
Its not free.
Puppy Linux is small and fast and fits on a CDR.
bacillus1
2 Intern
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415 Posts
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January 26th, 2021 12:00