Windows 7 Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Robin Hood

A group of hackers has released a toolkit that claims to permanently unlock nearly all versions of Windows from Windows 7 to the latest iterations and Microsoft Office from 2013 to 2024. They justify their actions by positioning themselves as a "Robin Hood" of the digital realm, advocating against the commercialization of software piracy. They recommend using LibreOffice as an ethical alternative to Microsoft’s offerings.

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 21, 2025

Windows 7 is not forgotten

Mozilla has extended support for Firefox 115 ESR on unsupported versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, until March 2025. Initially set to end support in September 2024, Mozilla reassessed the situation due to the continued presence of users on Windows 7 and decided to extend support for an additional six months. Mozilla plans to reassess its support strategy in August of this year. Meanwhile, the latest versions of Firefox, including version 135 on the Release Channel and version 128 on the Extended Support Release Channel, are available for users on newer operating systems.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Firefox extends Windows 7 support for at least another six months

Mozilla has extended support for Firefox on older Windows operating systems, with the new deadline for Firefox Old ESR set to August 19, 2025. Official support for Firefox on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will continue until September 2025, with a reassessment of this timeline planned for August. The extended support applies to Firefox 115 (Old ESR) and Firefox 128 (ESR), which will be deprecated on September 16, 2025. After this date, users must upgrade to a newer version of Windows and transition to Firefox 140 ESR to continue using the browser.

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.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Mozilla is not ready to give up on Windows 7 just yet

Mozilla has extended support for its Firefox browser on Windows 7 and 8.1 until September 2025. This follows the introduction of its Extended Support Release (ESR) branch in May 2023, which initially promised 15 months of security updates after Microsoft's cessation of support for these operating systems. The ESR release calendar now indicates that support for Firefox 115 ESR will continue for Windows 7 and 8.1, as well as macOS versions 10.12 to 10.14. Mozilla will re-evaluate this decision in August 2025. While security updates will continue for the ESR releases, new features will only be available on currently supported operating systems. Users are encouraged to consider upgrading to Windows 11 for enhanced security and functionality.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Is Notepad Forcing A Microsoft Login On Copilot+ PC? Yes And No

Windows Notepad has introduced a new AI-powered "Rewrite" feature, requiring users to log into their Microsoft accounts to access it. While signing in is optional for those who prefer the traditional Notepad experience, some users are exploring alternatives like Notepad++ and expressing a desire to revert to the classic Windows 7 calculator app. The introduction of the new feature has sparked concerns among users about Notepad's shift away from its original simplicity.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Who needs Windows 11? FreeXP is a modern version of Microsoft’s greatest OS, powered by Debian Linux

Windows XP is often regarded as a beloved classic and a significant advancement over its predecessors, despite debates about whether Windows 7 or Windows 10 is superior. FreeXP, a non-official operating system based on Debian Linux, replicates the Windows XP aesthetic within the Q4OS desktop environment. It features a nostalgic interface with the iconic Bliss wallpaper, classic XP Start menu, taskbar, and familiar icons. FreeXP can run as live media without installation and includes modern features like virtual desktop support and the option to install the Chromium browser. Users can customize their experience with various themes, including Windows 2000, Windows XP Classic, Windows XP Luna, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 Light, and Q4OS Default. FreeXP is available for download.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Windows 10: ESU-bypass to extend updates is working already reportedly

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which will result in the loss of crucial updates and security patches for users. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, initially for Windows 7, has been expanded to include Windows 10 home users, allowing a one-year extension for a fee, while business customers can extend support for three years or more. There are methods discovered that allow users to bypass the ESU for Windows 7, enabling updates for five years post-support. Preliminary tests suggest a similar bypass may be possible for Windows 10, allowing updates after the official end of support in October 2024, but the legal implications are unclear. Users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements must consider options like the ESU program or micro-patching services such as 0Patch, which offers security patches for Windows 10 until at least 2030 for an annual fee.