Exploit allows one to download Windows 8 keys directly from Microsoft.
An exploit on Microsoft's download page allows users to obtain a free copy of Windows 8 Pro.
Users who attempt the download for the Microsoft Windows Media Center upgrade, which ends on January 31, will consequently see Windows 8 Pro being permanently activated.
For pirates, the exploit is especially useful as it provides an alternative to the company's Key Management Service (KMS). The KMS, which is built for enterprise users, delivers Windows 8 through a KMS host and KMS client, leading to the new operating system becoming fully usable for 180 days before activation.
As opposed to having to input an activation key, businesses can activate Windows copies on a local network. However, setting up pirate KMS servers will see keys traded across the web for free.
That said, Windows is required to be reactivated every 180 days should you use this method. Each individual PC needs a unique key, so multiple users won't be able to activate the OS through the same key.
Reddit user noveleven explained why the method in question is successful:
When you activate Windows via KMS, in the activation window it says "Windows is activated until..." and a date (so if you were to install it today, it would say it's activated until May). After installing the upgrade, the window just says "Windows was activated on..." and the date of activation. That means the activation is permanent. When you install the upgrade key, that replaces the existing product key; only the new upgrade key is used for future checks. Windows won't check the key you used to install because it no longer has it.
still not tempting enough
Brilliant TH for publishing this useful 'How To' pirate information. Job well done!!!
Coaster of the millenium, right up there with Diablo 3, may you both find love in heaven together somehow.
I wonder if Micro$haft have realised their mistake, and stoped sending out Media Center upgrade keys.
Mostly because of the boot-times and the new focus on the latest software. Windows 8 will be pushed really hard now so....
Go with the flow? I for one like it
Brilliant TH for publishing this useful 'How To' pirate information. Job well done!!!
still not tempting enough
the boot time is awesome even on HDD
Not sure if true or just a ploy to make me buy an SSD
Shut up Chuck.
That scares me on what windows 9 is going to be.
1. If install from disc, there is no skip product key button. If product key is not typed in then Win8 will not continue
2. There is no grace period like the 30 days like on Win7. Once product key is typed in Win8 automatically activates
3. For the free promotion key on MS site, it's just for adding Media Center.
I bought Win8 and got that free MCE key from that site.
I copied Win8 from disc to USB and added a file so I can skip the product key.
When I applied the MCE key in "Add Windows Features", it doesn't work. It says it requires the original product key first. So I did that activate and then free MCE key works.
The above info saddens me because I assume that the commenters on Tom's are tech savvy, but you are pointing out that they're a bunch of buffoons that don't even know that their machine is going into hibernation...