Microsoft has published the results of a study on the security of counterfeit Windows OS distributions conducted in early 2011 by Group-IB. Experts analyzed unlicensed copies of the Microsoft operating system – Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
About 25% of disks with counterfeit copies of the operating system Windows systems contain malware, experts from Group-IB have established. According to them, 12.5% ​​of media also contains malicious codes designed to steal users’ personal data.

Scanning of the distribution kit, and subsequently the version of the software product installed from it, was carried out by anti-virus tools from several manufacturers. This method increased the likelihood of detecting malware. Each software product was analyzed by experts, both for the presence of malicious code and for overall performance. The study involved unlicensed copies of the operating system, available to Russian users through the main distribution channels: at unauthorized points of sale on physical media (DVD, CD) and on the Internet (torrents and file hosting services).
According to the study, 94% of all pirated distributions contain mechanisms to bypass the activation of Windows software products, potentially negatively affecting the stability of the system. In addition, in 7% of all examined copies of operating systems, software was found that was directly designed to steal passwords and other personal data.
In 96% of Windows operating systems available for downloading from torrents and file hosting sites, the original code has been changed - activation bypass has been implemented software, which indicates the presence of unwanted or malicious software. Viruses and Trojans are present in 6% installation files. Most of the detected viruses and Trojans can be used to steal personal data. Interestingly, 29% of unlicensed copies of Windows, available for download on file hosting sites, turned out to be completely inoperative.

If you purchase a counterfeit copy of Windows OS from unauthorized points of sale, you risk becoming a victim of malicious software and actually voluntarily reporting personal information to third parties increases several times. Every fourth (25%) of the disks examined by experts contained malware, and 12.5% ​​of the disks included programs to steal user passwords and personal data. It is noteworthy that CDs purchased from three Moscow markets in some cases turned out to be beta versions of the Windows OS.
"IN Lately Russian users are increasingly using their computers to solve a wide range of everyday tasks, often trusting them with the most sensitive information, including, for example, access to their bank accounts. This creates a great temptation for all sorts of scammers and criminals who use malware to gain access to this data,” says Denis Guz, head of the department for promoting licensed software at Microsoft in Russia. - One of the common methods for carrying out these criminal plans, as the study shows, is unlicensed software with its extensive distribution network and millions of potential victims. Microsoft informs users of the risks they bear by installing software from questionable sources on their computers. This is especially true for the operating system, which ends up on the computer even before any third-party protection tools are installed, which, even after their installation, do not always manage to recognize problems in the initially modified system.”
Based on the research materials, Group-IB experts classified the types and methods of placing potential threats that arise when using pirated distributions:
malicious software built into the distribution;
malware embedded in activation tools;
the presence of code that is not defined as malicious, antivirus programs, but potentially carrying out unauthorized actions in the system.
Researchers pay special attention to the following circumstance: the absence of obvious threats during a preliminary scan of the distribution with an antivirus does not guarantee that after installation it will not contain previously undetected malware. At the same time, checking the installed OS with antivirus tools will not always be able to detect the presence of malicious or unwanted software. Consequently, counterfeit software always contains a high level of threat to the user.
“Regular independent examination of software for compliance with licensing requirements allows for timely identification of existing threats information security users, notes Ilya Sachkov, CEO Group-IB. - Piracy causes financial damage not only to copyright holders, but also to users. In 60% of the incidents that our experts investigated, unlicensed software was one of the main reasons for system compromise and theft Money" The best solution for those who do not want to buy Windows license This

Hello admin! I am contacting you as a friend, I need advice. I'm in ninth grade. My parents bought me a laptop with Windows 10, overall I’m happy with it, it turns out that Win 10 is my second operating system, before that I was using an old computer with Windows XP. But I really want to try Windows 7, I don’t know it at all. Our computer scientist at school says that Win 7 is more beautiful, easier to manage, configure, and most importantly, there is no Metro interface unnecessary on the desktop, but the question is - where to download it?

On the official Microsoft website they only distribute , which means there is not much choice, only torrents remain, but again, various assemblies are distributed on torrents, that is, modified (changed by skilled users) images of real Windows 7, I don’t want that, I want to install it for myself on a laptop instead of Windows 10, the original Windows 7 Professional and use it for a month, if everything they say about the “seven” is true, then I will honestly buy it in the online store. If I don't like Win 7, I'll stick with my Windows 10.

• I understand that it is not customary to provide links to download operating systems on such reputable sites as yours, but at least help distinguish a real Microsoft original image of Windows 7 or Windows 10 from a non-original one(pirate assembly), say in your own words, What is the difference between a pirated build of Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and licensed Windows 7, 8.1, 10, what exactly changed there ? Why do you advise all users in the comments to install original images from Microsoft?
• And the last two questions, how exactly assemblies of the Windows 7, 8.1, 10 operating systems are created, how the image is disassembled and how it is assembled later?
• Why didn’t you yourself, with your knowledge, download Windows 10 with an activator, but went to a simple store and bought a licensed Windows 8.1 Professional 64-bit Rus (OEM) in a box, and then wrote an article about it?

Sorry for so many questions, I'm just interested in everything related to computers and I honestly don't want to steal anything, I just want to understand everything. You have a very good site, I visit it constantly, thank you very much in advance for your answers.

Best regards, Maxim!

In this article I will answer your other questions. Should I, a simple computer technician, not know that the original Windows is better unoriginal. Over the years, I have seen so many abnormal and crappy assemblies that I have lost count.

I agree, not all builds are so bad, but I’m still for the original. Why? I’ll give you a simple comparison example, maybe a little unfortunate, but I think you’ll understand the gist.

You came to the store to buy Levi's jeans, and suddenly they offered you jeans from another company for free, personally, I wouldn't even agree for free, what if they tear at the most inopportune moment right on the street, so I need original jeans from Levi's, Windows from Microsoft, the processor from Intel, and the cartoon “Well, wait a minute” from Vyacheslav Kotyonochkin. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but so far it's all worked.

The original appearance and state of Windows in such assemblies is rarely preserved, because that’s why it’s an assembly, to have some differences from the original and other assemblies of the system. Windows builds posted on the Internet from enthusiasts are the results of their experiments, where they remove or disable some system functionality, preset certain settings, implement third-party software products, and modify the system interface.

Among the system settings and functionality, this could be:

1. Disable User Account Control.

2. Disabling the page file

3. Removing office equipment drivers that are not used at home.

4. Removing Metro functionality in Windows 8 and 8.1, removing hibernation mode, etc.

5. Windows builds are often equipped with pre-installed programs, and after installing the system, shortcuts for launching the browser, uninstaller, system optimizer, and applications are already ready on the desktop Microsoft Office and other useful software.

6. Third Party Themes designs, gadgets on the desktop, informers and other not so useful, but rather beautiful little things modify the boring design of Windows.

Introductions to the system that improve its design are especially approved by novice users in the comments on online distributions of Windows builds.

If you come across a Windows build, in the description of which an enthusiast mentioned testing it personally, you are very lucky. Collectors do not always check their creations for functionality before posting them on the Internet. After all, if there are any problems during the installation or operation of such Windows builds, users will definitely write in the comments. And only then will the collector begin to solve the problem.

Sometimes Windows builds can come in Live CD format, as is the case with Linux distributions. Such Live CDs contain a menu in which you can choose to install Windows, or you can use the programs offered to resuscitate the system or quickly access the Internet.

Windows builds are “freed” from the need to pay money for using the system, which is why they are called pirated. Some assemblies are installed with an already installed serial key and are activated automatically, and some provide, after installing the system, the presence of an activator utility on the desktop, which the user needs to launch manually. Windows builds may not contain embedded serial number, do not activate automatically, may not even have an activator on the desktop. In this case, the activator utility can be downloaded separately (very often it is because of the activator curves that the operating system fails to load).

Who publishes Windows builds on the Internet for free and why?

Who are these enthusiastic collectors? And what are their benefits? Why do they waste their time and use their acquired skills in order to then give away the results of their work for free?

In many cases, they are driven by the need for their own development and the opportunity to test their developments in conditions feedback with users. Often this is a common desire to show off your technical literacy and gather an audience around you who will thank you, ask questions - in general, increase your self-esteem.

Note: Friends, if you are smart, educated and talented, better spend your energy on creating a real operating system that would be a worthwhile alternative to Windows from Microsoft!

Of course, Windows builders can be ordinary scammers who initially introduce malicious codes into the system for the purpose of profit. These points should definitely be checked in the comments to online distributions of Windows builds to see if anyone is making complaints about this.

Advantages and disadvantages of pirated builds of Windows

Left click to enlarge image

Applying patches to change the system interface and implementation third party software theoretically can negatively affect the stability of the system. But this is a very conditional drawback of pirated Windows builds - after all, you can choose a build where the builder did not apply patches to change the system interface. However, users love various design features and are not particularly worried about the impact of patches on the integrity and performance of the system.

Pre-installed programs in the Windows build are more of an advantage of the system than a disadvantage, even though builders, as a rule, package a set of programs based on their ideas. And often, along with multimedia software for beginners in the Windows build, you can find an advanced system resource monitoring manager or a utility for measuring voltage and temperature on each processor core. However, unnecessary programs you can easily remove them from the system, and leave the ones you need without wasting time searching for them on the Internet, downloading and installing them.

All of the above disadvantages, conditional disadvantages, imperfections and other little things are leveled out by the two main advantages of pirated assemblies - the free use of any Windows versions, any of its editions and a huge variety of choice of assemblies, in contrast to the standard Microsoft set.

Depending on the type of activity (our specialists also work), we often hear the question: “What is the difference between a licensed Windows OS and a pirated one (Windows without a separately purchased license)?

1. What are the real differences between having a license and not having one?
2. Why Windows installation with a license costs the user more than a version with a trial period (free evaluation copy)?
3. What are the so-called assemblies of the Windows operating system distributed via the Internet, how do they differ from the original image?

The questions are not quite obvious, and in this article we will try to consider them.

First, let's look at the concept of a license for the Windows operating system.

So when buying a license for money installation disk, a key is provided along with the storage medium itself Windows activation.

In addition, you are provided with a sticker on system unit or laptop, to confirm the purchased product.

If you do not have a disk drive or for some other reason you do not want to use installation via disk, you can download an image of the operating system from the Microsoft website and install via a USB flash drive (if you have an oem version, i.e. preinstalled on your PC or laptop by the manufacturer, then you will not be able to download the system image). Even if you purchased your license online, you should receive a key package and sticker.

At the time of writing, the price of Windows 10 averages from 300 BYN (approximately 150 y.e.).

I would like to make a small clarification. By purchasing operating system you are only buying WINDOWS ITSELF.

It does not contain drivers (they will need to be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website), office suite(you must purchase it from Microsoft separately), or use free analogue OpenOffice, LibreOffice.

The price for an office starts from 250 BYN (approximately 130 y.e.).

It seems clear with the license, the main thing is not to provide your key to anyone, because... otherwise he will be tracked and blocked!

In general, for Windows 7 there is a command to reset the trial period (it can be used three times) for a total of 120 days. Those. During this entire period you will be able to use the official system with all updates.

The command to reset the trial slmgr –rearm should be entered without any quotes in command line(must be run with administrator rights).

Now let's talk about other methods of activating Windows

If you download images from the official Microsoft website (and this is possible, without even having a product key), then they are no different from an officially purchased operating system - that’s a fact.

The only difference is that you do not have an activation key, so you will only be able to use Windows for a trial period (from 90 to 120 days). This should be followed by either purchasing a license or a new clean installation of the OS with formatting of the system partition (drive C:\).

This is not very convenient, but at least you always have the original version installed on your computer without using various tricks. It turns out that you can use the completely legal official version of Windows without purchasing a license for 3-4 months.

Activation of Windows, depending on the OS version, can occur either with a key (it was very popular in Windows XP) or with the help of third-party software.

Even if activated with a key, after installing the updates, a message may again appear that you are not using original version Windows, because Some updates include license verification.

Another way is using KMS (Key Management Server - key management service). The KMS server is activated using a special VLC key (KMS host key) and “distributes” licenses to client machines.
This activation method is used in corporate networks, where there are many machines and activation with each hand will take a lot of time. This is absolutely legal way Windows activation for business (not to be confused with pirated KMS activators that are circulating on the Internet).

Craftsmen were able to adapt it for home use. With this method, you will have to re-activate every 180 days. This can be done manually or automatic mode using Windows Task Scheduler. As a rule, activators assign tasks for repeated activations automatically.

We've sorted out the licenses. In the cases described above, the system differs only in the activation method. Don’t forget about system updates - you can disable them, but in this case there is a high probability of your computer being infected with a virus (for example, the recent WannaCry virus only works on an operating system that does not have the ms17-010 patch installed).

What are operating system assemblies and what could be their danger?

If 3-4 months is not enough, but you don’t want to buy a license (no money, no desire, “we’re used to it”).

Windows builds downloaded from the Internet are remakes of the original Windows image“for yourself”, or “for the user”, followed by reverse packaging for installation (RePack).

The advantages of such assemblies: almost all current updates are installed on the operating system, a C++ package is built in, which is necessary for the correct use of a number of programs (including Skype) package dll libraries, frameworks, etc., also usually in one image there is an installation of several editions of the system (from Windows xp to 10).

Cons: the first and most important disadvantage is that the end user does not know what else was added to the system assembly.
For example, there may be a program there to send your personal data to the attacker’s computer, and these are not only your passwords from mail and “contact” and “classmates”.
Since quite a lot of things are now paid for using a bank card, you will also transfer its data to the attacker.
In addition, there is interference with the system files of the operating system, which sometimes leads to incorrect operation and system failures, although almost all changes are made using Windows tools.

So, let's summarize. Because our team primarily pursues the interests ordinary users, and not a specific company, we invite you to familiarize yourself with our objective assessment.

Objective advantages of licensed Windows:

• There will be no problems with updating;
• Possibility to upgrade to a new version of Windows for free (for versions of Windows 7 and older);
• 24/7 support from Microsoft;
• Clean system without intervention

Disadvantages of the license:

• The most important thing is very high price licenses (not everyone is ready to spend so much money to buy only Windows and an office);
• Even using the original version, there may be problems with the system operation (incorrect installed drivers and software)

Pros and cons of extending your Windows trial period

Pros:

• Same as the license

Minuses:

• The same as for the license;
• Relatively short period of use

Pros and cons of so-called Windows builds

Pros:

• +Updated at the time of release of most OS components

Minuses:

• The same as for the license;
• Unstable operation possible;
• Possibility of installing malware into the assembly

This is the next stage in development Windows programs Genuine Advantage, which Microsoft quietly launched last September. It consists in the fact that using special software, the legitimacy of this particular copy of Windows is checked. The program will form the basis of Microsoft's campaign to increase the number of paying customers among the millions of people who use Windows.

Windows Genuine began as a voluntary program, but then Microsoft began requiring legalization from more and more categories of customers who wanted to download the company's software. For example, in March, Microsoft said that those who wish to download the support package foreign languages for Windows, must prove the authenticity of their copy of Windows.

Starting Wednesday, customers in the United States whose copies of Windows XP Professional have not been verified will have the opportunity to receive a free, licensed copy. To do this, they will have to fill out a tampering statement and provide Microsoft with the Windows disk they have and a receipt confirming its purchase.

"Our goal is to ensure that replacements are made to people who were truly unaware that they were victims of counterfeiting," explained Genuine Windows program director David Lazar.

Those who do not have the disc or receipt can purchase a licensed copy online for $149. It's cheaper than buying a full copy of Windows XP Pro, but more expensive than that one copies of Windows, which are paid for by buyers of a new PC.

“At first glance, it seems suicidal to reward pirates with free, licensed copies,” comments The NPD Group analyst Ross Rubin. However, Microsoft has the opportunity to demonstrate to customers the benefits of officially using the software and the potential benefits they will receive as legitimate customers when future versions are released. In addition, it can help them identify those who lead pirate networks. “When fighting drug trafficking, the police bypass the lower level dealers to get to the drug lords; so they probably want to get to the distributors of pirated Windows,” says Rubin.

Test program
For now, the Windows authentication process remains voluntary for most customers, although this summer Microsoft plans to make such scanning mandatory for anyone who wants to download software from the company's website.

For those customers whose copy does not pass verification, most Windows-related downloads will not be available, but they will still be able to receive security updates - either by turning on Automatic Update mode, or by manually selecting a specific patch. Utility Windows Update, which identifies all the necessary updates and offers to download them, will only work for those whose copy of Windows turns out to be licensed.

However, Lazar says that before the program gets that far, Microsoft wants to test the upgrade process in action. Hence today's offer, which will be valid until July 30th. What Microsoft will offer next is unknown. “We knew that to fully implement the program we would have to make a proposal like this,” Lazar said. “It allows us to verify.”

Specifically, Microsoft will test a scanning tool that confirms that a customer who wants a legitimate copy of Windows already has everything necessary files Windows. This tool verifies the presence and integrity of all genuine system files Windows XP, although Microsoft also sends a CD to customers and recommends that those who have suspicions about possible problems with their copy of Windows, reinstall the operating system.

Customer registration
Analysts were concerned that Microsoft might force customers to completely reinstall Windows when upgrading to a licensed version of the operating system.

So far, customers seem willing to let Microsoft test their copies of Windows. In the eight months since the program began, the majority of users surveyed did not object to this. Globally, 48 million customers visited the page asking to participate in the program and 27 million, or 56%, expressed readiness to be verified.

Lazar did not specify the exact number of bogus copies identified by Microsoft, but said that the "vast majority" of machines have licensed copies of Windows installed. The level of software piracy in the world is estimated at about 36%, and Microsoft's results, according to Lazar, are about the same as what it expected.

The company tested a paid upgrade program in China, one of three countries where Windows check authenticity has already become mandatory. Lazar said that "several thousand" customers have accepted the offer to purchase the discounted version of Windows - XP Pro is offered for about $150. The vast majority of systems in China have unlicensed copies of Windows installed.

Michael Cherry, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, praises Microsoft for being transparent about the program's goals and for having tools to determine whether copies of Windows are genuine. At the same time, he expressed the wish that Microsoft is better informed customers, helping them proactively identify counterfeit copies of Windows. “This is all very good, but these measures are taken ‘after the fact,’” he says. Consumers are less aware of the attributes Microsoft uses to mark its software, such as Certificate of Authenticity labels and holographic marks on discs. "I doubt my dad knows what a 'Certificate of Authenticity' is," Cherry noted.

Microsoft told how things will go with pirated copies of Windows 10

As is known a new version Windows operating system number 10 will be released this summer. Not so long ago, Microsoft representatives announced that not only holders of licensed copies, but also pirated ones, would be able to upgrade to version 10 for free.

But not everything is as rosy as it was stated. The head of the Windows development division, Terry Myerson, revealed details about who and how will be able to switch to the new 10 version.

How are things really going at the moment?

As for owners of licensed Windows 7 and 8.1, they will be able to switch (update) to version 10 completely free of charge. That is, they will have access to absolutely all new functions and services. new system, for the duration of support of this device- more precisely, what exactly this means has not yet been explained.

As for pirated copies...

The previously promised free transition is now prohibited for them; they still remain illegal without any rights. Now, using unlicensed Windows 10, a watermark will be displayed on the desktop, which indicates that this version the system is illegal.

Microsoft representatives especially ask you to pay attention to this when purchasing new devices on which such a copy of Windows can be installed.

Status pirated copy The OS means that it will not receive any service updates. The only thing Microsoft can offer owners of such copies is a transition to the new licensed version 10 under very favorable conditions, perhaps we are talking about a reduced price.

No more information was said about any other restrictions in the pirated copy of Windows 10

Very favorable conditions most likely mean a paid transition to Windows 10. (introductory article review of Windows 10) The possible amount has not yet been announced, but judging by the company’s assurances, it will be small and quite acceptable. This can also be judged by information recently received from Microsoft that the future release of the Windows 10 operating system will be the last.

That is, it will function on the principle of an online service, with timely updates and improvements. Plus a subscription will appear (again, as in online services, you need to somehow monetize this OS). This is understandable, since it is stated that this OS will subsequently be continuously improved.

As we see, Microsoft did not keep its promises to switch to a new operating system for everyone. But this is partly explained by the possible appearance of a paid subscription. Plus the amount for holders of pirated versions is promised to be attractive.

It is difficult to hide surprise and interest in new scheme distribution and support of the new OS from Microsoft. Inexpensive paid subscription Now one of the most common schemes for accessing various services and programs. One such example is the popular video hosting site YouTube, which is also gradually introducing it.