activation hacks

Discussions on WindowsForum.com about activation hacks focus on the recent neutralization of the KMS38 offline activation method by Microsoft's November 2025 cumulative updates. This widely used trick, part of the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project, relied on GatherOSState behavior that has now been removed from Windows 11 and Windows 10. The changes affect long-term "2038" activations, forcing users to seek alternative methods. The tag covers the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between Microsoft's security updates and third-party activation workarounds, with practical implications for those using or considering such hacks.