Hacking group claims to have cracked Microsoft's software licensing security on a massive scale

Hackers have cracked Microsoft's licensing security for Windows and Office.

: Hacker group Massgrave claims to have cracked Microsoft's licensing security for its Windows and Office products. The exploit activates nearly all modern versions, including Windows 11 and Server 2025, using Key Management Services. It bypasses Microsoft's licensing model and Extended Security Updates, without requiring third-party modifications. Microsoft appears indifferent, focusing on other revenue streams.

The hacker group known as Massgrave claims a major breakthrough in hacking Microsoft's software, affecting almost all modern Windows and Office products. Massgrave's exploitation technique enables tools like the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) to bypass Microsoft's original licensing protection without the need for system file modifications, impacting versions from Windows Vista to Server 2025, which might soon be publicly available.

A significant aspect of this breakthrough is its support for Extended Security Updates, allowing the activation of older Windows versions like Windows 10 beyond its official support end in October 2025. The novelty of this hack is its simplicity, making third-party installations unnecessary, which is a notable shift in piracy methods. The hackers revealed on Reddit that the methodology is still being refined, but it already showcases potential benefits over traditional activation methods.

While it's possible for Microsoft to counteract this breach by overhauling its DRM code significantly, the company remains seemingly unconcerned with this piracy development. Instead, Microsoft seems to prioritize income through its advertising, Azure cloud services, and AI initiatives rather than focusing on legacy software DRM enforcement. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of current licensing strategies and the future steps Microsoft might take.