New Windows Laptop - Want to Convert to Linux

No need to activate Windows to install Linux As for the upgrade of the drive, it is a NVME m.2,

https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Lenovo_IdeaPad_Gaming_3

Edited by greg18, 06 March 2024 - 06:34 PM.

No need to activate Windows to install Linux As for the upgrade of the drive, it is a NVME m.2,
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Lenovo_IdeaPad_Gaming_3

I'm with Dan on that one.  This suggestion fits the OP's prerequisite and reflects the OP's skills.

Dominique1 msg #8 ... are you saying that duck duck go gave you a 'buyer's beware' on the store, Microcenter?  I've had other posts here where I named that company and was warned about the 'buyer beware' status.  I've been dealing with this store for years, probably bought six or more computers and never had an issue.  It's a popular store locally, long lines at check out, six registers going.  Perhaps their online business is the issue.  Or maybe a customer had a bad experience and started a campaign against this store? 

I agree, Microcenter is a reputable store that stands behind the things they sell. Any OEM computer that comes pre-installed with Windows 10 or 11 has the license key embedded in firmware and comes pre-activated. If you type activation in the search box and see that the computer is activated you are good to go. If you plan on going back to Windows 11 you may want to download any drivers from Lenovo's support site to a flash drive.

I agree, Microcenter is a reputable store that stands behind the things they sell. Any OEM computer that comes pre-installed with Windows 10 or 11 has the license key embedded in firmware and comes pre-activated. If you type activation in the search box and see that the computer is activated you are good to go. If you plan on going back to Windows 11 you may want to download any drivers from Lenovo's support site to a flash drive.

I'm pretty sure since the keys are embedded in firmware the computer will auto activate once you go through the out of box experience then Microsoft converts it to a digital license.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/comments/qibxek/windows_11_using_embedded_oem_window_10_key/

I'm pretty sure since the keys are embedded in firmware the computer will auto activate once you go through the out of box experience then Microsoft converts it to a digital license.
 
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/comments/qibxek/windows_11_using_embedded_oem_window_10_key/

It wouldn't until the computer was online and the setup is finished. I'm only saying that even if the computer was not setup i.e. Linux installed straight away, Windows would still activate if it was later decided to install Windows because the key is embedded in firmware. Once online it would activate.

Dominique1 msg #8 ... are you saying that duck duck go gave you a 'buyer's beware' on the store, Microcenter?

No, not at all.  Sorry for the confusion.  I was given a LENOVO store link.  However the storage specs was different from Dan's using the model number you provided.  What I meant was buyers must check what is in their specs, that's it.

What is really important is what are your current storage specs.  Lucky you if you have the HDD+SSD combination in a slim laptop.

I  have posted information about Microcenter before and apparently they have a bad reputation online and I totally disagree.  That's what I thought you meant Dominique1.

 

No need to activate Windows to install Linux As for the upgrade of the drive, it is a NVME m.2,
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Lenovo_IdeaPad_Gaming_3

They will need to if they want to revert back to windows to sell it. If they don't the license will not be active once they revert.

 

No need with the way Microsoft licenses the OS with the hardware. The OEM has already activated the installed OS with their digital Key. I have taken units that came from Corporate leases and installed Linux on them with brand new drives installed, then later down the road installed Windows and never had any issues with the digital license activating.

 

I'm pretty sure since the keys are embedded in firmware the computer will auto activate once you go through the out of box experience then Microsoft converts it to a digital license.
 
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/comments/qibxek/windows_11_using_embedded_oem_window_10_key/

That maybe true if windows was already activated and your replacing windows 10 with Windows 11.

But how would a new Windows 11 license be active prior to completing the setup and configuration process.

 

11 uses the same keys as 10, so there would not be any issues activating the digital license associated with the embedded key on the bios.

MEMBERS - Just want to be clear you realize I have not activated/installed WIndows on this machine.