[DISCUSSION] Windows 10 Enterprise (N) LTSC 2019

Hopefully this is the correct forum, if not I apologize. I installed and activated LTSC with a license key (no hacks) about a year ago. This was on a system I rarely use. I turned it on over the weekend and Windows will not boot, get BSOD right away. Tried repairing, etc, no luck. So I reinstalled LTSC but now it will not activate. Any ideas? Thank you.

 

Most likely a BS license key.

 

Considering most keys are stolen or generated (MAK), it's not a surprise it doesn't work anymore.

ps, KMS is not a hack.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am not familiar with KMS but I will look into it. I just bought a couple keys from someone on another forum and they activated so I assumed they were legit.

 

Activation by questionable keys that can't be available for private users, can't be considered legit

 

Activation != legit Activation

 

I don't think a bogus license key would give a BSOD. I've been running three versions of LTSC for over a year on keys I bought on ebay and they are still working today.

 

The key he used won't activate again, hence, @boyonthebus correctly called it a bogus key.

 

But why did it activate in the first place?

 

Because it wasn't blocked or used up at that time?

 

Interesting how the key continued to work until it deactivated from a BSOD. You'd think it would have deactivated after a Windows update.

BTW, I wonder if the OP reinstalled the same LTSC Build. The key will only work with a specific build (usually supplied by the seller).

 

It didn't deactivate because of the BSOD, it just didn't work anymore after the re-install was done.

 

Hi, can anyone tell me how to add media feature pack to Windows 10 LTSC N (2019) install? Is it actually necessary? Without it, will all media play without any problem with MPC-HC and Musicbee?

 

Better: Don't use N versions at all.

 

I know it had nothing to do with the BSOD. I stated that prior. I'm still curious how long it would have worked if his PC hadn't crashed. (Would also like to hear from OP about installing the same build)

 

Keys for LTSB/C, obtained from the internet, mostly originate from ftp scanners, stolen or leaked from companies or are generated. No private person has the correct conditions to use any of those keys on a legal base.

Just don't waste money on these questionable keys and use a free KMS solution like KMS_VL_ALL.

 

I was under the impression that they were on a 180 day timer (unless that time period is manipulated locally ofc) for checking back in with the activation server? Had the BSOD machine continued without failure then deactivation would've occurred the next time the scheduled 'check-in' was due as either the server has been taken down or the keys on that server blacklisted. If I'm wrong then please correct me so I don't continue to spout garbage!

 

The 180 days activation validity interval is only for KMS.

 

KMS is also not a legit activation by itself.
In East Europe and elsewhere Microsoft has been "greasing" politicians for decades in order to not only get big-money contracts in anything state-run, but also supplement routine tax checks for private businesses with software licenses verification. Without proof of contract or individual purchase, KMS hack means nothing (and due to it's periodic refresh nature, the "it came with the pc" from 2nd hand market can't be used as an excuse, unlike retail / upgraded).
Most small companies that can't afford a "get genuine" deal from Microsoft, are usually bribing the inspectors or higher up the food chain to make it go away.. until next time.
People are quick to forget that Microsoft went hard after private individuals as well not so long ago. Sure, they've changed their front approach with Windows 10, free as in freely grabbing user's data, but they never stopped fighting piracy. And just as they were about to reach their quota, a global pandemic hits and user's data is starting to lose it's value. Who knows what Microsoft will do next.