Microsoft reportedly allows pirates to activate unlicensed installations of Windows 8

[JMH]

Users running pirated copies of Windows 8 Pro can reportedly upgrade to a fully licensed and permanently activated version of the OS by simply installing a free Windows 8 Media Center upgrade offered by Microsoft.

The relatively simple technique that essentially allows users to get Windows 8 Pro for free was described late Tuesday on Reddit by a user named "noveleven" who claims to have successfully tried it out. At least one other Reddit user confirmed that it works in the same discussion thread.

Microsoft currently allows Windows 8 Pro users to gain the Windows Media Center (WMC) feature set for free by downloading and installing a Windows 8 Media Center pack from its website. This offer was launched on Oct. 26 and is scheduled to run until Jan. 13, 2013.

Users only have to register with a valid email address and they will receive a valid product key which they can use during the upgrade.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/arti...of_Windows_8_Pro?source=rss_keyword_microsoft

 

[writhziden]

I read this earlier today after installing a TV tuner and finding out that WMC did not come bundled with Windows 8 as it did in Windows 7. I hope Microsoft still issues me my WMC key via e-mail since I have purchased two Windows 8 upgrades for both of my Windows 7 systems. Don't understand why anyone would pirate 8 when it is already being sold at a reasonable price...

 

[AceInfinity]

I would think the same. Microsoft's pricing is actually fairly reasonable this time for Windows 8. Pricing doesn't matter though for most people though I suppose, that's been my observation over time; people would get free whenever they can because taking out their wallet is too much of a hassle even to pull out the pennies so to speak.