Microsoft has completely disabled a popular, long-used pirated activation method for the Windows operating system. With the release of updates KB5068861 and KB5067112 for Windows 11, the software giant has made the KMS38 method, which allows offline activation of pirated Windows copies, inoperable.

Pirate Windows Could Be a Thing of the Past

KMS38 was a popular method among pirated users. This method manipulated the GatherOSstate.exe file, extending the Windows activation period until 2038 instead of the normal 180 days.

It was popular because it did not require an internet connection and provided long-term, almost permanent, activation. However, Microsoft has blocked this method by completely disabling GatherOSstate’s core functionality with its updates.

MASSGRAVE, the developer of the pirated activation tools, released a statement confirming that this method no longer works. According to the statement, Microsoft’s action specifically targets the KMS38 method.

The statement stated that other alternative activation methods, known as HWID (Hardware ID) and TSforge, are not affected by this situation. Currently, these two alternative methods continue to function without issue. This development demonstrates Microsoft’s continued security efforts against piracy.

This block has a significant impact on the pirated activation market. Disabling KMS38 will force users of pirated software to use alternative methods like HWID and TSforge, which Microsoft has not yet detected or blocked.

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