No doubt that Microsoft has been hard at work trying to improve Windows 8 activation technology to prevent pirates from getting the operating system for free. Sadly, the software didn’t go through all the possible scenarios and they didn’t notice that a simple workaround can allow anyone to convert a pirated copy of Windows 8 to a full activated legitimate license — all free of charge!
This is the story, earlier attempts to bypass Microsoft’s activation technology involved the use of third-party Key Management Services (KMS) servers that would let the activation for up to 180 days, which means that a re-activation was necessary every six months. This simplified the use of Windows 8 for free temporarily, however now it is a bit easier.
As you know Windows Media Center is not included anymore with any version of the Windows 8. This is a piece of software that you need to purchase separately, but Microsoft trying to make good for those users that has been using MCE for a long time, started giving away a Media Center upgrade to Windows 8 Pro users, promotion that ends in January 31st, 2013. Now pirates figured out that they can use this product key to permanently activate a copy of Windows 8 that was previously temporarily activated through the KMS technique. All of this means that a downloaded pirate copy of Windows 8 and temporarily activated can be fully unlocked thanks to a flaw upgrading to the Windows Media Center. Many sites, like The Verge, have already reported that the method works and Microsoft has yet to comment in this workaround or when a fix for this flaw will be released.
Source The Verge
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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