what prevents Microsoft from creating a version of windows that doesn’t allow cracks/activators to be used? Or detect it and disable the OS fully instead of warnings.
In: Technology
The Windows that most people use (consumer Windows on AMD/Intel CPU) runs on open architecture (any vendor can make the component and it’s expected to work). This means even the hardware can easily be replaced to allow cracks/activators. It’s also expected to run any compatible apps written by anyone. This means even if they ban one particular app, they can’t reliably detect its variant. Contrast this with a closed system where you can only run apps approved/built by the vendor like most game consoles/iOS devices.
When they *do* detect a broken activation, they don’t immediately disable the OS because it’s possible an enterprise user simply had lost connectivity to their server while trying to reactivate, and “oh, sorry, your employee can’t work because we dislike pirate” will invite lawsuits. Even in Office broken activation still allows opening and printing.
Also, consider they’re making less and lesser money from Windows, so it’s in their interest to just let people use Windows when it makes other Microsoft’s offerings, mostly Azure and Xbox.
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