Neowin News Feed for: Kms

Microsoft axes popular free Windows 11/10 KMS activation hack that worked without internet

Sayan Sen — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:52:01 +0000

Microsoft has successfully managed to kill a popular free offline way to illegally activate Windows 11 and 10. Read more...

Microsoft moves Windows licensing to Azure confidential computing, enhancing security

Paul Hill — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:34:01 +0000

Microsoft has moved its Windows key management licensing service from on-premises to Azure. This has helped it to reduce costs and boost security. Read more...

Former Microsoft employee pedals Windows 11 piracy, says Microsoft does not care

Taras Buria — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:32:01 +0000

Microsoft does not care if you pirate Windows 11. At least, that is what a former employee pedaling Windows piracy on X says. Read more...

Microsoft officially confirms "Windows 11 LTSC 2024" as the 24H2 release alongside KMS

Sayan Sen — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 23:56:01 +0000

Following leaked images of a build yesterday, Microsoft has now officially confirmed that the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 LTSC version will formally be known as "Windows 11 LTSC 2024." Read more...

Microsoft Defender update for Windows 11 or 10 images improves performance, blocks AutoKMS

Sayan Sen — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 07:36:01 +0000

Microsoft has released a special Defender update for Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server. This update is meant to bring improved security and performance to Windows install images. Read more...

Beware: This Windows key verifier tool is actually a deadly BitRAT that bypasses Defender

Sayan Sen — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 23:38:01 +0000

A new remote access trojan (RAT) or BitRAT has been found which is being distributed through fake Windows product license key activation tools. It is able to bypass detections by Windows Defender. Read more...

Beware: Fake KMSPico Windows activator carries crypto wallet info stealing malware

Sayan Sen — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:26:02 +0000

A fake KMSPico Windows activator has been discovered by security company Red Canary. The malware is capable of stealing information from various crypto wallets, among other things, using a Cryptbot. Read more...

Windows 8.1 activation has been bypassed

Vlad Dudau — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 09:20:15 +0000

Windows 8.1 can now be activated by a "traditional" Key Management Service workaround, so even pirated software can appear to be legitimate. The hack comes only days after the OS has hit the market. Read more...