Solved Windows 11 Pro Installation (Personal Issue + Inquiry)


NyxR

Member
Local time
1:51 PM
Posts
15
OS
Windows 11 Pro
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!
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 Professional

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
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?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
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 :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
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:

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
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 :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
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 :)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
You can use option two from here to download the iso file to proceed with the install tutorial

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
You can use option two from here to download the iso file to proceed with the install tutorial

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

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
You can use option two from here to download the iso file to proceed with the install tutorial


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:1718896302565.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
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 :)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
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
1718897163187.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.3194
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

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