Before Windows 8 was officially released, a final copy of the software was leaked online. This leak allowed people to use the software by activating it through a third-party KMS server, which would enable users to utilize the software for 180 days.
After this period, the pirated copy of Windows 8 would need to be reactivated. However, it now appears that Microsoft has inadvertently given pirates the chance to turn their pirated software into a legitimate copy of Windows 8.
Microsoft’s Free Media Center Upgrade
Microsoft is offering a free Media Center upgrade to any Windows Pro users until the 31st of January 2013. This upgrade, intended as a promotional offer, has an unintended side effect: it turns pirated copies of Windows 8 into fully activated versions. This loophole has been exploited by users who initially activated their pirated copies through third-party KMS servers.
The process is relatively straightforward. Users download a pirated copy of Windows 8, activate it using a KMS server, and then apply for the free Media Center upgrade. Once the upgrade is installed, the system becomes a fully activated version of Windows 8, bypassing the need for further reactivation.
Testing the Loophole
The team over at The Verge decided to test this out. They downloaded a pirated copy of Windows 8 and followed the steps mentioned above. To their surprise, the method worked flawlessly, and they were able to turn the pirated software into a fully activated version of Windows 8. This discovery has raised questions about the effectiveness of Microsoft’s anti-piracy measures.
Microsoft has yet to respond to this issue. The company has always been vigilant about protecting its software from piracy, but this loophole seems to have slipped through the cracks. As soon as we get more details, we will let you guys know.
This situation highlights the ongoing battle between software developers and pirates. While companies like Microsoft invest heavily in anti-piracy technologies, pirates continually find new ways to circumvent these measures. The free Media Center upgrade was likely intended to encourage legitimate users to upgrade their systems, but it has inadvertently provided a way for pirates to legitimize their copies of Windows 8.
In the broader context, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by software companies in protecting their intellectual property. It also underscores the importance of robust security measures and the need for continuous monitoring and updating of these measures to stay ahead of potential exploits.
Source The Verge
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