Microsoft to Force Microsoft Store Account to Activate Windows 9

bigdogchris

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Windows 9 will reportedly have new activation methods that will tie the OS more closely with a specific PC

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will unveil Windows 9 this fall, claims notorious Russian leaker WZor, who has a pretty good track record. In a Russian language post on Ru-Board, the leaker said that the upcoming update to Windows 8 will be the last major overhaul of the existing OS. Microsoft is expected to launch the Windows 8 Update 2 in August.

Windows 9 to have new activation methods

WZor claimed that Microsoft will back the launch of Windows 9 with heavy advertising blitzkrieg and a new distribution method. The new activation methods will tie a copy of Windows 9 more closely with a specific PC. It will require the user to log in to Microsoft Store, and users won’t be given an activation key. Talking about Windows 8, WZor said that there will be new updates after the Update 2 due next month. But no new features will be added to it.

Motivation behind the new activation method is “problems in China.” The world’s most populous country recently banned Windows 8. Notably, a couple of weeks ago, WZor claimed that Microsoft may announce Windows 9 at its Worldwide Partner Conference, which begins July 13 in Washington D.C. That claim was missing in the latest report, but WZor reassured us that the new OS will be launched this fall. However, he only talked about the announcement, without revealing whether it will be a Developer’s Preview or Preview of Windows 9.
One Windows 9 to fit every device?

The Russian leaker said that Microsoft will bring back the Start button and menu, which seems to be a safe bet. Other reports suggest that Windows 9 will have the capability to identify the device and transform its user interface for a more friendly experience on that device. For instance, if it detects a keyboard attached, the OS will have a desktop UI. If there is no keyboard attached, it will have a tablet interface.

The launch of Windows 9 would put an end to Windows 8. If Microsoft brings the new OS with a lucrative upgrade offer for Windows 7 and Windows 8 customers–along with a consumer migration tool–the software giant has a chance to re-establish its dominant position.

SOURCE

All the great hype about Windows 9 has just taken a big shit. If this is true, fuck forcing us to use their stupid store. I hate the minor online ties that Windows 8 has, let alone forcing online log on just to use the computer. I'm speculating there will not be a local account option in Windows 9.

*Update*

WZor says that Microsoft is currently facing some challenges with Windows 9 activation, which is slowing down development. Apparently, the company wants to let Windows PC buyers activate their Windows 9 copies by logging into the Microsoft Store. In such a case, an activation key won’t be required.

If customers try to activate Windows 9 on three different PCs with just a license, Windows Store will cancel the activation after three days, inviting users to “detach” two systems from their accounts, or purchase two more licenses.

Furthermore, Microsoft is also working on a new reinstall/restore process that will ditch the need of boot disks. Instead, Windows 9 installation may become a process more similar to Apple’s OS X install/reinstall process.

SOURCE
 
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Not sure how logging into the store ties the OS more specifically to a computer. Doesn't seem right at all. However, if it is only logging onto the Microsoft Store to activate, and not forcing a Microsoft account to use the computer, I can see that being okay. As long as the local account continues to be an option, things will be fine. If I'm forced to use a Microsoft account to use my computer... I'll stay on 8.1. And then maybe move to Linux.

Transformation of UI is already being done in 8.1 Update 1. No surprise that it would be further enhanced.

Launch of 9 wouldn't put an end to 8. And let's face it, Microsoft never lost its dominance on the desktop market. There is nothing for them to re-establish here. The only thing they need to establish is a stronger presence in the mobile market.
 
Apple's been doing this since Lion. It's actually a great way to combat piracy. I hope they take another page out of Apple's book and make it cost $20 :D
 
Apple's been doing this since Lion. It's actually a great way to combat piracy. I hope they take another page out of Apple's book and make it cost $20 :D

Well, early adopter upgrades for Windows 8 were $15. Standalone license was $40. And if you're upgrading OSX, you've already paid for OSX the OSX license by buying the Apple hardware.

How was their implementation? Was it like I theorized, just log in to the Store, but keep the local account separate?
 
Well, early adopter upgrades for Windows 8 were $15. Standalone license was $40. And if you're upgrading OSX, you've already paid for OSX the OSX license by buying the Apple hardware.

How was their implementation? Was it like I theorized, just log in to the Store, but keep the local account separate?

I'm pretty sure the local account is separate, but the copy is tied to your ID. Also, it's not exactly $20 for a upgrade. You could download Lion, put it on a flash drive, and reinstall Lion on any Mac you want as long as you use your ID. I'm hoping this is how it works for Windows.
 
rofl, pretty sure I'll be "activating" Windows 9 the same way I "activated" Windows 7 and Windows 8, and it certainly doesn't involve the Microsoft Store.
 
Yeah, this may be an option, but its not going to be the only one. It would literally make it impossible for the government which is a non-insignificant portion of revenue to utilize windows 9.
 
rofl, pretty sure I'll be "activating" Windows 9 the same way I "activated" Windows 7 and Windows 8, and it certainly doesn't involve the Microsoft Store.
Wouldn't that be an example of why Microsoft has to take these measures that hurt legitimate customers?

Piracy is always easier and Microsoft doesn't get that. I can see Windows 9 being the most pirated OS in history due to this.
 
Apple's been doing this since Lion. It's actually a great way to combat piracy. I hope they take another page out of Apple's book and make it cost $20 :D

Apple's implementation is completely different and does nothing to combat piracy. Piracy of Apple's OS has never been a big problem to Apple, as far as I know. There have never been CD Keys or activation processes, as far as Mac OS (X) is concerned.
 
Apple's implementation is completely different and does nothing to combat piracy. Piracy of Apple's OS has never been a big problem to Apple, as far as I know. There have never been CD Keys or activation processes as far as Mac OS (X) is concerned.

Because you're not allowed to sell the software by itself. The only legitimate way to get the software is to buy the hardware.
 
Apple's implementation is completely different and does nothing to combat piracy. Piracy of Apple's OS has never been a big problem to Apple, as far as I know. There have never been CD Keys or activation processes, as far as Mac OS (X) is concerned.

Oh yeah? Well I *obtained* Lion and I'm sure many have, and I've been unable to reinstall because I have to have it activated on my account. But I guess its just my imagination...
 
I hate apple OS i wipe my butt with my parents IMac labtop...it's a good bed pan doe I'll give it that :)
 
There was a guy on MDL Forums awhile back claiming he had "inside" knowledge that current Windows 8/8.1 activation schemes wont work and was willing to help them prepare to break it. Now it sounds a lot more authentic as this would surely make emulation methods now pointless.

Nothing pissed me off more about Windows 8/8.1 than when you try to install Microsoft purposely obfuscates creating a local account. It's a completely dick move and shows even now where they were headed with it. Honestly getting tired of Microsoft's one step forward, two steps back shit.
 
Because you're not allowed to sell the software by itself. The only legitimate way to get the software is to buy the hardware.
At least with Snow Leopard, you could buy it as an upgrade that was the full version in any Apple retail store. I think you have to buy\download MAC OS upgrades from the Apple Store now though, but I think you can still make your own install disc.
 
At least with Snow Leopard, you could buy it as an upgrade that was the full version in any Apple retail store. I think you have to buy\download MAC OS upgrades from the Apple Store now though, but I think you can still make your own install disc.

x2

Apple's implementation is completely different and does nothing to combat piracy. Piracy of Apple's OS has never been a big problem to Apple, as far as I know. There have never been CD Keys or activation processes, as far as Mac OS (X) is concerned.

Also true. There is no activation with OSx. You don't need an internet connection, CD keys or anything like that. Just install and you're all set.

It does ask you to register (name and addy)... and enter your apple ID if you want since its all tied to iCloud. You certainly don't have to though.
 
Mac OS X 'forces you' to use the store but there is no activation process at least - one can use a .dmg file without having to buy the OS. Windows is probably losing so much money they are forced to do this due to piracy. I can understand their point of view here, and frankly I don't mind it as long as I don't have to be constantly connected to the internet after one time activation.
 
At least with Snow Leopard, you could buy it as an upgrade that was the full version in any Apple retail store. I think you have to buy\download MAC OS upgrades from the Apple Store now though, but I think you can still make your own install disc.

Again though, you already have a license and activator in that you have to be using Apple branded hardware. Your activation is the Apple hardware, and if you're not using Apple hardware with OSX, you're using it illegally.

x2



Also true. There is no activation with OSx. You don't need an internet connection, CD keys or anything like that. Just install and you're all set.

It does ask you to register (name and addy)... and enter your apple ID if you want since its all tied to iCloud. You certainly don't have to though.

Apple's activation is basically you having their hardware. Yes, there are workarounds to get it running on non-Apple hardware, but that's basically the same thing as Windows piracy.
 
x2



Also true. There is no activation with OSx. You don't need an internet connection, CD keys or anything like that. Just install and you're all set.

It does ask you to register (name and addy)... and enter your apple ID if you want since its all tied to iCloud. You certainly don't have to though.

I am not sure where you get this idea. The last time I installed OSX 10.9 off of a flash drive created by the downloaded media, I had to log into the customers Apple account before the installation would continue. (This is before I even was able to select the drive to install it to as far as I can remember.)

This was on a new, blank hard drive.
 
Mavericks requires the admin account login to upgrade, but you can skip the Apple ID/iCloud step, just like in previous versions of OS X. Either way, that's not activation in any sense.
 
I hate the minor online ties that Windows 8 has, let alone forcing online log on just to use the computer.
It doesn't sound as though this is a forced online log-in scenario. I imagine it works similarly to Windows 8, whereby your Microsoft Account credentials are locally cached and locally recalled at log-in.
 
Mavericks requires the admin account login to upgrade, but you can skip the Apple ID/iCloud step, just like in previous versions of OS X. Either way, that's not activation in any sense.

Have you ever tried reinstalling with the recovery partiotion? There is no wat at all to skip the Apple ID step.
 
It doesn't sound as though this is a forced online log-in scenario. I imagine it works similarly to Windows 8, whereby your Microsoft Account credentials are locally cached and locally recalled at log-in.
I don't want to use Microsoft credentials to log into my offline PC. I want a local account.
 
Windows 8 activation is fine the way it is I did two different Motherboard installs and they both took.
 
Piracy is always easier and Microsoft doesn't get that. I can see Windows 9 being the most pirated OS in history due to this.

Uh.. no. If there's even as much as a *whiff* of Metro in Windows 9, then no, it won't be the most pirated OS in history. It'll be another colossal blunder.

If Windows 8 trained people to do anything, it is to not to rush to a new Windows release. So Windows 9 will be a slow build at best. Past are the days of Windows 7 overnight success and immediate widespread adoption. Windows 9 and future versions are forever tainted, and both end users and enterprise will remain forever skeptical and hesitant to upgrade because Windows 8 was such a colossal discharge in Ballmer's underwear.

Microsoft employees, investors and fanboys frustrated that people lingered on XP too long? They haven't seen nuthin' yet -- people and especially corporations will remain on Windows 7 for the next decade as the world slowly transitions to an Android everywhere future.
 
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Uh.. no. If there's even as much as a *whiff* of Metro in Windows 9, then no, it won't be the most pirated OS in history. It'll be another colossal fucking blunder.

If Windows 8 trained people to do anything, it is to not to rush to a new Windows release. So Windows 9 will be a slow build at best. Past are the days of Windows 7 overnight success and immediate widespread adoption. Windows 9 and future versions are forever tainted, and both end users and enterprise will remain forever skeptical and hesitant to upgrade because Windows 8 was such a colossal discharge in Ballmer's underwear.

Microsoft employees, investors and fanboys frustrated that people lingered on XP too long? They haven't seen nuthin' yet -- people and especially corporations will remain on Windows 7 for the next decade as the world slowly transitions to an Android everywhere future.

Umm... no. Metro is here to stay, at least for Windows 9. And Windows 9 will almost certainly be more of a success than Windows 8 was, though businesses won't all be upgrading to it as some will opt to wait for 10. Business upgrades follow support schedules. When support is about to end, they will be upgrading, or they will pay for extended extended support. And extended extended support is very expensive, so unless some technicality prevents them from moving from 7, they will be upgrading. And Android? You're joking, right? On one hand, you're saying Windows 9 will fail because of mobile interface, and then you're saying everyone will migrate to a mobile platform?
 
Uh.. no. If there's even as much as a *whiff* of Metro in Windows 9, then no, it won't be the most pirated OS in history. It'll be another colossal fucking blunder.

If Windows 8 trained people to do anything, it is to not to rush to a new Windows release. So Windows 9 will be a slow build at best. Past are the days of Windows 7 overnight success and immediate widespread adoption. Windows 9 and future versions are forever tainted, and both end users and enterprise will remain forever skeptical and hesitant to upgrade because Windows 8 was such a colossal discharge in Ballmer's underwear.

Microsoft employees, investors and fanboys frustrated that people lingered on XP too long? They haven't seen nuthin' yet -- people and especially corporations will remain on Windows 7 for the next decade as the world slowly transitions to an Android everywhere future.

I could see Windows 7 users being hesitant to upgrade, but I can't think of any reason why Windows 8 or 8.1 users would hold back.
 
I could see Windows 7 users being hesitant to upgrade, but I can't think of any reason why Windows 8 or 8.1 users would hold back.

People will hold back any time that which is presented to them as "new and improved" isn't actually new and improved. It has to offer something compelling.

And Microsoft doesn't simply get a "do over" again like they did with Vista -> Windows 7 and previous iterations where one bad release was followed by a good release, because the industry isn't linear, because too many other variables have changed - namely mobile was nowhere near the juggernaut five years ago that it is now. Even if Microsoft manages not to piss off their core Windows userbase and enterprise with Windows 9 and returns to common sense options and choices, it will still be a muted uptake. Windows still has a staggering worldwide install base, but at a macro level the heyday is gone and its on the decline like the old IBM. And Microsoft knows it, which is why Windows 9 development is the last thing the CEO talks about as they scurry to take root in other market segments and areas.
 
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And Microsoft doesn't simply get a "do over" again like they did with Vista -> Windows 7 and previous iterations where one bad release was followed by a good release, because the industry isn't linear, because too many other variables have changed - namely mobile was nowhere near the juggernaut five years ago that it is now. Even if Microsoft manages not to piss off their core Windows userbase and enterprise with Windows 9 and returns to common sense options and choices, it will still be a muted uptake. Windows still has a staggering worldwide install base, but at a macro level the heyday is gone and its on the decline like the old IBM. And Microsoft knows it, which is why Windows 9 development is the last thing the CEO talks about as they scurry to take root in other market segments and areas.

Sure mobile has gotten much bigger, particularly tablets. But how many of the complaints about Windows 8 have been along the lines "I don't want a tablet/smartphone UI on my desktop!" You've made such comments many times.

Windows 7 was adopted relatively quickly partly because of the long time between it and XP and the unpopular Vista between. There will be about 6 years between 7 and 9, that gap and the unpopularity of 8 should get 9 considerably more traction than 8. How well it will do in comparison to 7 is difficult to say without seeing it first. Many businesses that did XP to 7 migrations haven't long ago finished them, we just finished ours last year, so 9 certainly want be on the radar. I think many people believe that 7 came out and that everyone hopped on board immediately but it was a long process, it took 7 two years to surpass XP in market share.
 
They make it more annoying with each release.
Meh, it's not like I can't just make a throw away account to use once and then go local if possible..
 
the cloud the cloud the cloud, all this points to one thing booting from lan! the only I'm using from Microsoft is windows, (7) we use server 2012 and it sucks balls. can't get wsus to install and it seems like I'm removing the store icon once a month. this is just stupid apple has their own deal you don't need to be online to log in I have an apple air but I bet this idiots will take it a step forward to force you to be on line I can't believe I'm saying this If this ends up being true I may end up using window 8.1 just so I can game unless more games start offering a linux version.
 
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Uh.. no. If there's even as much as a *whiff* of Metro in Windows 9, then no, it won't be the most pirated OS in history. It'll be another colossal blunder.

I am totally gonna hold you to that. Seriously, I am setting a reminder on my computer to remind me, in April 2015, send DPI a PM quoting this message when Windows 9 is very popular and has a whiff of Modern UI (or if it's not, if for the first time in MS history, the bad/good cycle doesn't work).
 
I am totally gonna hold you to that. Seriously, I am setting a reminder on my computer to remind me, in April 2015, send DPI a PM quoting this message when Windows 9 is very popular and has a whiff of Modern UI (or if it's not, if for the first time in MS history, the bad/good cycle doesn't work).

Microsoft made plenty of mistakes with adding the modern UI to the desktop, but the UI in and of itself on the desktop isn't so much the problem on the desktop. The biggest problem with it is that it's unfamiliar to long time desktop Window users. And the 8.0 RTM certainly had too many rough spots with keyboard and mouse use. For instance, the 8.0 RTM release used different keyboard commands for window manipulation between modern and desktop apps which was totally strange. 8.1 fixed that.

All Windows 9 needs to fix the biggest issues of 8 is a Start Menu and windowed modern apps and configuration options to control the desktop/tablet behaviors. Having the ability to use the modern UI on the desktop won't be a problem, as long as it's configurable. Moving from 8.0 to 8.1 to 8.1 Update 1, there's a clear progression these configuration options and behavior based on input type. As long as 9 continues that with Start Menu and windowed modern apps, the criticisms that many have made of 8 simply won't apply.
 
I am not sure where you get this idea. The last time I installed OSX 10.9 off of a flash drive created by the downloaded media, I had to log into the customers Apple account before the installation would continue. (This is before I even was able to select the drive to install it to as far as I can remember.)

This was on a new, blank hard drive.

Have recently installed Mavericks about 4 times on my Mini due to me flip flopping on how I wanted to the 2 internal hard drives setup. I did two of those setups at work where we are behind a firewall and Mavericks was unable to get through until I could get into the actual operating system. Installed no problem off a USB flash drive using the installer I downloaded from Apps Store.

Also on both Lion and Mavericks (my Mac Pro & my Mini respectively) you can do the Internet Recovery where it just downloads the OS for you from a blank hard drive and there is no option to log in. It does "verify your computer", but I don't know it that is just a hardware check to make sure its a genuine Apple.

The more I use Apple hardware and computers, the more I am actually OK with their model. They want my money and they are upfront about it. After that, everything is good. I can part with money pretty easily. Parting with my trust is a little harder. All these companies want your money, I'd rather they just be upfront about it.

Linux is also good and I use it regularly, but does lack the polish. I am willing to pay for the polish of OSX or Windows.
 
That's fine, the account is cached. If you aren't connected you can still use it.
I know this. I still do not want to use my online credentials/profile for my local PC. I shouldn't have to explain myself like people don't have to explain them self for not liking Intel or explain themself for not liking XBOX or whatever. Some people just don't want to do certain things and using an online profile is something I never want to do for my desktop OS.
 
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