Hacking group claims to have cracked Microsoft’s software licensing security on a massive scale
Hacking group claims to have cracked Microsoft’s software licensing security on a massive scale
Massgrave have claimed to have found an exploit that enables permanent activation of nearly all modern versions of Windows and Office.
Published on 3rd December 2024
“This is the largest breakthrough in Windows/Office piracy ever,” hacker collective Massgrave are claiming on X. The exploit reportedly enables permanent activation of nearly all modern versions of Windows and Office, from Windows Vista to Windows 11 and Server 2025. The method also supports volume activation through the client-server Key Management Services model.
Massgrave is a prominent group within the piracy scene, known for creating highly effective scripts designed to activate Microsoft software. These tools have gained significant popularity and are expected to see even broader use in the near future.
Most recently, the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project announced what it describes as a “groundbreaking” development in Microsoft software activation.
According to the hackers, they have successfully bypassed nearly the entire protection scheme that underpins the original licensing model for Windows and Office. This new cracking method, described as highly effective, is anticipated to be publicly released in the coming months.
The hack can also reportedly activate licenses tied to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing Windows 10 users to access free security patches beyond the official end-of-support date in October 2025. This new method is described as both effective and straightforward, as it does not require third-party file installations or modifications to system files.
The MAS project currently provides a variety of tools designed to activate unauthorized copies of modern Windows and Office editions. While several developers have contributed to refining this established piracy technology, details about the new method remain scarce. On Reddit, the hackers offered a partial explanation, stating that the method is still under development and not yet finalized.
The upcoming hack is said to be especially useful for older versions of Windows. However, the developers note that “traditional” methods, such as HWID activation, are still preferable for “multiple reasons.”
While Microsoft could theoretically patch the new hack, doing so would apparently require a significant overhaul of their old DRM code and implementing an entirely new activation system to fully address the vulnerability.
Activation scripts from the MAS project have been available for years, enabling the activation of nearly any standalone, non-cloud Microsoft product. Despite this, Microsoft appears largely indifferent to these developments, focusing instead on generating revenue through advertising, Azure cloud services, and generative AI, rather than aggressively enforcing DRM for legacy software.
