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 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 the original Windows version, 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 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 original version, there may be problems with the operation of the system (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

Microsoft today officially announced the release of Windows 10 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 interference of one kind or another in the system, it will simply discover that copy of Windows 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.

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 not licensed copies Microsoft operating system – Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
About 25% of disks with counterfeit copies of the Windows operating system 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 operating rooms Windows systems, available for downloading from torrents and file hosting services, 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 inoperable.

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

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 the critical security patch KB4012598 for unsupported Windows 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 pirated versions Windows, infection by WannaCry ransomware is one of the risks they pay for using illegal software.

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 Windows files 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.