Microsoft Cracks Down On Windows 8.1 Piracy – KMS Only Lasts 6 Months

Softpedia reports that Microsoft is cracking down on the way it deals with pirated copies of Windows 8.1. Typically Microsoft had been lenient on the pirate community and copies could be easily activated and manipulated by a variety of crack tools (RemoveWAT, WATFix, Windows Loader, Auto KMS, etc). These pirated copies which could be easily activated/cracked are still entitled for Windows updates, as Microsoft decided not to block updates to these pirated users. On Windows 8.1 this may change.

Microsoft is targeting the KMS activation technique which currently allows Windows 8.1 users to activate their Windows free of charge with a custom host and a few lines of command. However, Microsoft has ensured this KMS fix isn’t as long term and easy as it previously has been. Now the KMS will only last 180 days, 6 months, essentially acting as an extended trial version. Furthermore, Microsoft is apparently considering blocking custom hosts in KMS activation to prevent the exploitation of the system for piracy. Microsoft are still yet to comment on what the situation is with KMS activation so we will be sure to bring you their response when we see it.

Image courtesy of Faikee on WinClub