DRM Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Hackers release TSforge exploit that «forever» activates Windows and Office

A hacker group called Massgrave has developed a method named TSforge Activation that permanently activates most Microsoft products and bypasses the digital rights management (DRM) system. This method allows updates for Windows 10 beyond its official end of support in October 2025. The group previously launched the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project in 2024, claiming to dismantle Microsoft’s DRM protections. The TSforge method works by replacing activation data files with counterfeit data, tricking the Software Protection Platform (SPP) into accepting fraudulent product keys. TSforge currently enables activation for Windows 7 and later versions, including Windows Server (2008 R2 – 2025), and Office 2013-2024 on Windows 8 and later. It also unlocks commercial features like Extended Security Updates for Windows 7-10. Despite being aware of these activators, Microsoft has not taken significant action against them. The MAS project is open-source and hosted on GitHub. The hackers argue that their tool could be used as an alternative activation method in urgent situations.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Hacker group releases updated tool to activate almost all modern Microsoft software

A hacking collective named Massgrave has introduced a new activation method called "TSforge Activation," which allows for permanent activation of various Microsoft products while bypassing the company's Digital Rights Management (DRM) system. This method is part of the updated Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project, specifically the MAS 3.0 update released in 2024. TSforge exploits Microsoft's Software Protection Platform (SPP) by manipulating key files to accept counterfeit product keys. It is compatible with Windows 7 and later versions, as well as Office versions from 2013 to 2024. The MAS toolkit, which is open-source and hosted on GitHub, offers multiple activation methods and is framed by its developers as an alternative activation approach rather than piracy.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

This open-source tool can activate practically every Windows and Office release

The Massgrave team has released version 3.0 of their Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS), introducing TSforge, which allows activation of all Windows editions from version 7 onward and all Office versions since Office 2013. MAS can activate commercial Windows licenses, including the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for certain Windows 7 to 10 editions. The tool is open-source and targets the Software Protection Platform (SPP) directly. MAS is hosted on GitHub, and despite its association with software piracy, Microsoft has not intervened in its availability. The Massgrave team has documented their processes for educational purposes and acknowledges the SPP as an advanced DRM system compared to earlier versions.

AppWizard

February 16, 2025

Weekend PC Game Deals: Co-op festival grabs, fresh bundles, and much more

The Epic Games Store is offering F1 Manager 2024 for free until Thursday, February 20, at 8 am PT. Fanatical has launched the "Build Your Own Capcom Bundle" with iconic titles available at various pricing tiers. Humble's new Deckbuilder Bonanza includes three tiers of games, available for three weeks. Steam is hosting a festival for cooperative games with discounted prices. GOG is running a "Love At First Pixel" promotion with DRM-free games on sale. Availability and pricing may vary by region.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

Microsoft removes Windows 11 feature responsible for collecting and storing location data

Microsoft has begun deprecating certain features in Windows 11 in 2025, starting with the Location History feature, which has been used to collect and store location data for users. The Location History feature will be removed from the latest preview build for Dev and Beta insiders, meaning that location data will no longer be saved locally, and the corresponding settings will be removed from the Privacy & Security > Location page in Settings. Other recently deprecated features include Suggested Actions, Paint3D, and Legacy DRM services.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

The PlayStation Network has been taken completely offline across all platforms for more than half a day, preventing online gaming, store purchases, game updates, and more

Access to the PlayStation Network (PSN) is being restored for some PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 users after an outage that began on February 8, 2025, at 1 AM CET. The outage affected PSN logins and services across all platforms, including PS5, PS4, PS3, PS Vita, and PC, and lasted over 16 hours. Sony acknowledged the issue via a tweet but has not clarified the cause of the disruption. Users have reported difficulties with offline gaming due to dependencies on PSN, such as digital rights management (DRM) checks and day-one updates. The situation has led to increased panic and confusion among customers, reminiscent of the 2011 PSN hack and outage.

TrendTechie

February 8, 2025

Игра Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 только вышла на ПК, а её сразу же взломали и слили на торренты

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, developed by Warhorse Studios, is set in 15th-century Bohemia and was released without any digital rights management (DRM) system, leading to unauthorized copies appearing on torrent sites shortly after launch. The game has received positive reviews, being recognized as one of the standout RPGs of 2025.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

Weekend PC Game Deals: An idling fest, new Choice bundle, anniversary sales, and more

Humble has released two game bundles: the Better with a Friend Co-op Adventures bundle, which includes Tribes of Midgard, Cat Quest II, and For the King: Deluxe Edition at a lower tier, and additional titles like Risk of Rain Returns and Trine 4 at a higher tier. The Destiny 2 The Story So Far 2025 bundle offers seven pieces of DLC across four tiers. The Humble Store's Choice bundle features eight games, including Immortals of Aveum and Trepang2, available for a set price, with the next refresh on March 4. The Epic Games Store is offering free games Beyond Blue and Humankind until February 13, after which F1 Manager 24 will be available for free. Free events this weekend include a beta for Monster Hunter Wilds, a trial for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Battle.net, and a free weekend for Green Hell on Steam. Promotions include an anniversary sale from 2K and the idler games festival on Steam, along with various deals on Disney classics. The GOG store's New Year sale has ended, but standard weekend specials are back. Availability and pricing may vary by region.

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

GOG players are trying to get Diablo 2, Fable, and other classic games onto PC using this voting system

CD Projekt Red is known for its role-playing games, particularly The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, and owns the DRM-free platform Good Old Games (GOG). GOG recently added Dino Crisis 1 and 2, which received modern enhancements like 4K support. The platform launched the Dreamlist feature, allowing users to suggest games for addition, with over 3,000 suggestions received. Popular requests include the Fable series and Black & White games, which are only available in physical formats. The Fable franchise is seeing renewed interest due to an upcoming reboot. Command and Conquer: The Ultimate Collection and Resident Evil CODE: Veronica X are also highly requested on the Dreamlist. Additionally, there is a strong desire for a DRM-free version of the original Diablo 2. The Dreamlist reflects the community's enthusiasm for reviving classic games, although some titles may present technical challenges for GOG.

TrendTechie

February 5, 2025

Когда Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 появится на торрентах

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will not include Denuvo anti-piracy protection, relying instead on standard DRM systems from Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game is set to launch on February 4 at 19:00 MSK, with a potential for a cracked version to appear shortly after 20:00. Preloading begins on February 3 at 19:00 MSK, which may allow hackers to create a functional version before the official release. Minimum system requirements include: - OS: Windows 10/11 - Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 - Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB / AMD Radeon RX 580 - RAM: 16 GB - Disk Space: 100 GB Recommended system requirements include: - OS: Windows 10/11 - Processor: Intel Core i5-13600K / AMD Ryzen 5 7600X - Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT - RAM: 24 GB - Disk Space: 100 GB Maximum system requirements include: - OS: Windows 10/11 - Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D - Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 / AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT - RAM: 32 GB - Disk Space: 100 GB