Renowned Finnish antivirus company F-Secure has published a report explaining why users in Russia and China were hit the hardest by WannaCry. It turned out that most of the infected computers had a pirated version of Windows installed.

Microsoft has closed the MS17-010 vulnerability, which was exploited by WannaCry back in March 2017. Thus, all legal Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 systems were protected before the start of the WannaCrypt campaign.

Since the ransomware infected a large number of old computers, Microsoft decided to deviate from its rules and released a critical security patch KB4012598 for unsupported Windows systems XP and Windows Server 2003. The company urged users of older machines to install an update as soon as possible to protect themselves from WannaCry.

Updates are coming out for licensed Windows

However, there is one major problem: users of pirated versions cannot install updates, regardless of whether they are using an old, unsupported system or a new supported OS. Although there are installation methods latest updates Microsoft constantly sets new restrictions on illegal copies of Windows, so depending on the version of the system, the task of installing updates on a pirated version can be very difficult.

According to F-Secure, a huge number of cases of infection have been recorded in Russia and China due to the fact that pirated versions of Windows systems are very common in these markets.

F-Secure reports that the size of the infection indicates the number of computers that did not receive the security update. This can be caused by 3 reasons:

• The patch available in March was not installed for some reason.
• a pirated copy of Windows was used (which does not receive security updates).
• The computer was installed with Windows XP, which is no longer supported or updated.

On this moment There are several ways to protect yourself from WannaCry and similar types of malware, but the most convenient, especially if you are using genuine Windows, is to install the latest updates released by Microsoft. For users of pirated versions of Windows, infection by WannaCry ransomware is one of the risks they pay for using illegal software.

Microsoft today officially announced Windows release 10 already in the summer, and also spoke about a strategic partnership with Chinese companies, which should “help fight piracy,” which is actively flourishing in the Middle Kingdom. Then it was said that Microsoft would update even pirated copies to Windows 10 for free, and now the head of the Windows division of Microsoft Corporation, Terry Myerson, told how exactly updates would occur in the case of legal and pirated systems.

According to Microsoft's position, owners of legal copies of Windows 7 and 8.1 will receive an upgrade to Windows 10 absolutely free. After the update, these users will receive all new features and security enhancements absolutely free, “for as long as this device is supported.” What exactly the last words mean (until the device breaks or, perhaps, for the duration of the warranty?), he did not explain.

If Microsoft detects any kind of tampering with the system - simply detects that a copy of Windows was obtained illegally - a watermark will appear on the desktop, informing the buyer that he has an illegal copy installed. Terry Myerson asks users to be attentive to this when purchasing new devices and to avoid purchasing gadgets with Windows 10 that have a watermark on the desktop.

A Microsoft “black mark” means a lack of support from the company and its partners and threatens not to receive updates, even critical security updates. Microsoft emphasizes that the free update will still not be available to users of illegal copies of the system, but the software giant, together with its partners, promises to offer “very attractive” conditions for switching to the licensed version of Windows 10.

It appears that no further measures will be taken. Microsoft probably decided that it made no sense to restrict the operation of a copy of the OS that was identified as pirated. This time, it seems, they won’t even deprive the desktop screensaver.

The “very attractive” transition conditions probably hide a paid upgrade to Windows 10. What the amount will be has not yet been announced, but it can be assumed that Microsoft will not ask for a lot of money for this. This idea is prompted by the recent announcement that Windows 10 will be latest version The OS will be improved according to the service principle. One of the likely options for monetizing Windows 10 is the introduction of a subscription, which was previously hinted at by Microsoft COO Kevin Turner. This would be a logical step, given plans to gradually improve the system. The amount of transfer from a pirated copy will most likely be comparable to the amount of a short-term subscription, since the user will bring money constantly in the future - this is exactly what Microsoft is striving for.

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 does installing Windows with a license cost the user more than the version with a trial period (free evaluation copy)?
3. What are so-called assemblies operating system Windows distributed via the Internet, what is their difference 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. When purchasing an operating system, you only buy 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 assemblies downloaded from the Internet are a remake 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 in system files 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 for free to new version Windows (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

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 the real Microsoft original Windows image 7 or Windows 10 from non-original(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 favored 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. These Live CDs contain a menu from which you can select Windows installation, or you can use the proposed programs 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 loading of the operating system fails).

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 must be checked in the comments on online distributions of Windows builds to see if anyone has any 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 in the assembly Windows programs- This is more of an advantage of the system than a disadvantage, even though assemblers, as a rule, complete 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 can be easily removed from the system, and necessary ones can be left 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.