A new BitRAT malware distribution campaign is underway, exploiting users looking to activate pirated Windows OS versions for free using unofficial Microsoft license activators.

In an unexpected twist, a Microsoft support engineer resorted to running an unofficial 'crack' on a customer's Windows PC after a genuine copy of the operating system failed to activate normally ...

Windows remains functional without activation, but you'll be locked out of personalization and other non-essential features until it's addressed.

Should you activate Windows? While it's completely safe to use Windows 10 or 11 without activating, I wouldn't suggest doing that because there are plenty of benefits to getting a licensed version.

Older Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys will no longer activate Windows 10 or Windows 11, Microsoft has announced.