Genuine Windows 11 Pro on the Microsoft website costs around $199.99, just 1 cent shy of $200. The Home edition is priced at $139. While this might not seem like much, it can still be a significant expense, especially if you are on a budget and saving up for your next upgrade. In fact, with that amount, you could purchase a whole computer.
Alternatively, you have the option to download Windows for free from Microsoft in ISO form and then burn it to a DVD or create a bootable USB using Rufus. Prior to version 3.22, Rufus allowed direct downloads of Windows Installation ISOs, but this feature was later removed, requiring users to download the ISO from Microsoft directly. Another option is to use Microsoft's "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" to put the installation on a USB, but personally, I prefer using a third-party tool. It's a matter of preference.
Once you have installed Windows without a key, it will still work, but after some time, a watermark will appear. If the watermark doesn't bother you, you can continue using Windows, albeit with some disabled personalization options.
To remove the watermark and unlock the disabled personalization options, you have a couple of legitimate options available. First, you can purchase an activation key from Kinguin for around $20 to $30, depending on the version of Windows 11 you choose. This is a reasonable price and affordable for most people, making it a preferable alternative to piracy.
Another option is to transfer your old activation key from Windows 7 onwards. Windows 7 was widely criticized, and Microsoft acknowledged its flaws, leading them to allow prior licenses to be honored for faster adoption of Windows 8. While there may be some concerns that this practice will eventually stop, it's worth trying if you have an old valid license. However, do note that OEM licenses or licenses from factory-assembled computers may not be eligible for transfer.
Instead of resorting to piracy, consider these legal ways to obtain a valid Windows 11 activation key, either through purchasing from Kinguin or attempting to transfer an eligible old license.
HWID Activation
In the official upgrade process from Windows 7 to Windows 10, Microsoft provides a free HWID (digital license) activation. The upgrade process involves running a file called GatherOSState.exe, which checks the activation status of the current Windows installation. If it is activated, GatherOSState.exe generates a valid ticket that is sent to Microsoft for authorization.
Three types of tickets can be generated: Downlevel, Lockbox, and Universal tickets. Downlevel tickets are based on a simpler method and have been used by HWID activators for several years. Lockbox tickets are more complex and involve cleaning certain licenses and registry keys. Universal tickets, the method used in the latest version of the activator, set the OSVersion to a lower value, causing the system to ignore the HWID in the ticket and grant activation.
KMS Activation
KMS activation is a method used to activate Windows operating systems in a genuine environment. It relies on a Key Management Server (KMS) and a valid license to activate the software. The activation period in a KMS environment typically lasts for up to 180 days.
During a major upgrade process in Windows, a file called gatherosstate.exe is used to carry over the remaining KMS activation period. It generates a ticket that can be used offline for activation. By manipulating gatherosstate.exe, it is possible to fool the system into extending the activation period manually.
To achieve this, two methods can be used. The first method involves placing a custom slc.dll file alongside gatherosstate.exe, providing it with fake data that convinces it to generate a valid ticket with an extended activation period. The second method entails modifying gatherosstate.exe itself, bypassing the activation status check and allowing the user to set the desired activation period.
KMS, or Key Management Service, is a client-server model introduced by Microsoft. It enables organizations to activate large numbers of Windows computers using a centralized server instead of activating each computer individually with a product key. The KMS server verifies the authenticity of the software and grants activation based on the organization's volume license. This method simplifies the activation process for businesses and ensures compliance with licensing agreements.
The activation period in a KMS environment lasts up to 180 days and can be renewed and reinstated as needed.
To activate systems for free, developers have reverse-engineered the KMS host server setup. KMS activators, such as KMSpico or MTK, emulate a KMS host server locally and activate Windows and Office without limitations. These activators require running binary files, which may trigger antivirus alerts as false positives.
Alternatively, online KMS activation is available through publicly-hosted emulated KMS servers. Users can utilize these servers to activate their systems without installing any software.
Online KMS activation is considered safe. During the activation process, the client system shares some non-sensitive data with the host system, including the client's Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), Client Machine ID (CMID), timestamp, product license state, expiration time, and IP address. The shared IP address is not a significant security concern as it is commonly shared when going online, and it does not necessarily identify a specific person. Moreover, Microsoft has not pursued legal action against home users for a few instances of pirated activations due to the high cost involved compared to the potential financial gain.
Now, let’s talk about some other ways you can activate Windows.
MAS Scripts
Windows can be activated using Microsoft_Activation_Scripts. “A Windows and Office activator using HWID / KMS38 / Online KMS activation methods, with a focus on open-source code and fewer antivirus detections”.
Unlike most “cracks” this is just a script that you can check out and modify if needed. You can find all scripts on GitHub.
While it is possible that Microsoft could block new activation requests from Downlevel and Universal tickets, they have not shown significant concern for consumer piracy in the past. Revoking licenses would be challenging and could lead to complications and the risk of voiding valid licenses. Consumer piracy is not their primary revenue source, which is why the tools have been working for several years without major intervention.
There are also reports that Microsoft Customer Services are actually using this tool to fix stubborn licensing issues.
The site also offers download links for official Windows and Office “Genuine Installation Media”.