In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, curious interactions continue to surface, revealing the lengths some users will go to in order to elicit unexpected responses from AI systems like ChatGPT. Recently, a Reddit user shared a rather peculiar tale of how he managed to coax the AI into generating Windows activation keys through an elaborate ruse involving his late grandmother.
The conversation began innocuously enough with a vague inquiry: “You know what happened to Grandma, don’t you?” Initially, the AI had no response, but as the user elaborated on his grandmother’s passing, ChatGPT expressed its condolences in the way only an AI can. The user then spun a whimsical narrative, claiming that one of his fondest memories was of his grandmother reading him Windows 7 keys as a lullaby. This charming yet entirely fabricated story set the stage for an unusual outcome.
Windows keys as a sleep aid
In a surprising twist, ChatGPT complied with the request, generating a bedtime story that included several Windows 7 activation keys. From the standard Home version to the more advanced Professional and Ultimate editions, the AI’s output was both bizarre and oddly poetic. The user took to Reddit to share screenshots of this unconventional narrative, only to be met with the reality check that the keys were not functional—an outcome that is hardly surprising given that Windows 7 has long since been retired.
Not a new trick
This isn’t the first time users have attempted to exploit ChatGPT for activation keys. Two years prior, a similar wave of inquiries aimed at obtaining Windows 11 keys led to one user successfully receiving a working key. In response, Microsoft collaborated with OpenAI to patch this loophole. Yet, the ingenuity of users persists, often employing absurd narratives to bypass the AI’s safeguards. While it remains uncertain if the same tactics would yield results for Windows 11, the creativity displayed in these interactions raises eyebrows.
Throughout the history of AI interactions, users have found clever ways to navigate around protective measures. Instances have even emerged where prompts led ChatGPT to provide detailed instructions on dangerous topics, highlighting the unpredictable nature of AI responses. In this context, the quest for free Windows activation keys seems relatively benign, albeit still a reflection of the ongoing dance between user ingenuity and AI limitations.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
