With Windows 10 reaching the end of mainstream support last month, many are taking a hard look at Windows 11. But those looking to activate the operating system without a license have one less option to do so. Microsoft has blocked an activation method known as KMS38 that allowed people to activate Windows illegally.
The tool in question comes from a group called “Massgrave.” The “MAS” in the name stands for Microsoft Activation Scripts. That group publishes a set of tools online that allow you to activate Windows and Office without a license. The PowerShell scripts are available on GitHub and let users run Windows or Office without paying any fees.
Plugging holes
Usually, I’m one to speak out against Microsoft blocking workarounds. I’m frustrated by the dwindling options to set up a Windows 11 PC without the internet or a Microsoft account. Microsoft blocked a popular bypass of those requirements earlier this year, much to my chagrin.
But the situation is different for MAS, which is often used to activate Windows illegally. It’s reasonable for Microsoft to take steps to stop MAS from being able to activate Windows without a license.
Some may not be so eager to use Windows 11 if it requires a full license. While people have joked about every year in recent history being “the year of Linux,” we may actually see an exodus of Windows users to other platforms following the death of Windows 10.
Because of the minimum requirements of Windows 11, many PCs cannot be upgraded to the new operating system. Linux and Google’s ChromeOS are more viable options than ever due to advancements on both platforms. Some have even gone so far as to make WINUX, a free Linux distro designed for Windows users.
FAQ
What exactly was the activation hack that Microsoft blocked?
The blocked method was a popular loophole that allowed users to bypass Microsoft’s license verification and security checks to activate an unauthorized copy of Windows 11, often used for piracy.
Why is blocking this hack considered a “good thing”?
Blocking the hack is a good thing because it enhances the overall security and integrity of the Windows ecosystem. Pirated copies of Windows often lack crucial security updates or may be bundled with malware, posing a threat to users and the network they are connected to.
Will this block affect my legitimately purchased copy of Windows 11?
No. If you have a legitimate, activated copy of Windows 11, this security update will have no negative effect. It is only designed to prevent unauthorized activation.
What happens to a PC that used this hack to activate Windows 11?
Any PC that relied on this specific unauthorized method for activation will likely revert to an unactivated state, displaying the “Activate Windows” watermark and restricting personalization features. Users will need to purchase a legitimate license key.
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Updated November 15: Made it clearer that the KMS38 method of activation was being deprecated by Microsoft, and that other Massgrave scripts continue to work.
