Windows 9 is in development by Microsoft and according to various sources, the company is trying to release the first preview version later this year.
What is very interesting is that Microsoft is preparing a completely new activation system for Windows 9, which will help the company in combating piracy. The new system is supposed to force more users to buy a legal license. According to information released by Russian leaker Wzor, Microsoft decided to install a new activation system after the problems it had in China, where 9 out of 10 copies of Windows are pirated, as stated by Steve Ballmer.
Today, thanks to a post by Super User on the MDL forum, we have more information regarding the new activation system.
Microsoft will force every user who installs Windows 9 to create a Microsoft account and link the product key they purchased to it. Once the operating system is installed, it will direct users to the company's Store where activation will take place completely automatically. This way, the buyer will never see the license key, which will make it harder to "crack" the operating system, since everything will be built into its code.
In case the user decides to change the computer or reinstall the operating system, they will have to remove the current activation through the Store. A special download from Microsoft will allow users to burn Windows 9 to a disc or create a bootable USB in order to make the whole installation process easier.
There are a few issues, however. Once Windows 9 is activated, the company's Store will keep a user's personal information, such as name, address and billing information, in order to link a specific license to a computer. Needless to say, some may find this unacceptable, but according to sources, the company is working to make it very secure.
Of course, such an activation system essentially requires an active Internet connection, and there is no doubt that there will also be a secondary activation option, most likely by phone.
If a user installs Windows 9 without activating it, the operating system will run flawlessly for 3 days, and then it will be impossible to start.
All of this information is rumors, and we'll have to wait until Microsoft confirms or denies it.
