Windows licensing Archives

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Microsoft’s Quiet Exodus: Why Enterprise Developers Are Abandoning Windows for Linux Workstations

Microsoft developers and enterprise technology leaders are increasingly choosing Linux over Windows for development tasks, driven by performance concerns, workflow inefficiencies, and the rise of cloud-native development. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has facilitated this shift by allowing developers to work in a Linux environment while still using Windows. Tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, which are primarily designed for Linux, have led to a reevaluation of desktop strategies across various industries. Linux provides direct access to the same kernel and toolchain used in production, reducing discrepancies that can lead to bugs. It typically requires less memory at idle compared to Windows, making it more efficient for developers managing multiple containers or virtual machines. Microsoft has responded by investing in platform-agnostic tools like Visual Studio Code and embracing Linux on its Azure cloud platform, where over 50% of virtual machines run Linux. The introduction of WSL2 has improved compatibility and performance, but it has also highlighted Windows' limitations, leading to frustrations among developers. Security considerations favor Linux due to its open-source nature, allowing for greater customization and auditing. Financially, Linux can be more economical for enterprises due to lower licensing costs and reduced hardware requirements. Organizations that have switched to Linux report significant improvements in build times and overall developer experience. Hybrid strategies are emerging to accommodate developer preferences while ensuring security, with cloud-based development environments gaining traction. The trend toward Linux workstations reflects broader industry movements toward open source and platform independence, as companies adapt to attract and retain technical talent.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Russian Hackers Leverages Weaponized Microsoft Key Management Service (KMS) To Hack Windows Systems

The Sandworm APT group, also known as APT44 or UAC-0145, has been exploiting weaponized Microsoft Key Management Service (KMS) activators to breach Windows systems in Ukraine since late 2023. This campaign uses pirated KMS tools and counterfeit Windows updates to spread malware, targeting state bodies and critical infrastructure. The attackers deploy Trojanized KMS activators, such as “KMSAuto++x64_v1.8.4.zip,” often shared on torrent sites and forums for Ukrainian speakers. The attack begins with the BACKORDER loader, which disables Windows Defender and delivers the DarkCrystal RAT (DcRAT) to exfiltrate sensitive data. A new backdoor named Kalambur is also identified, distributed via a typosquatted domain that pretends to be a Windows Update. Security teams are advised to use Sigma rules and detection tools aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework to counter these threats.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Russian Hackers Leverages Weaponized Microsoft KMS to Hack Windows Systems

The Russian state-sponsored hacking group Sandworm, affiliated with the GRU, has been using pirated Microsoft Key Management Service (KMS) activation tools to infiltrate Ukrainian Windows systems since late 2023. They distribute a harmful ZIP file named “KMSAuto++x64_v1.8.4.zip” on torrent platforms, which, when executed, deploys the BACKORDER loader and disables Windows Defender. The BACKORDER loader then downloads the Dark Crystal Remote Access Trojan (DcRAT) from attacker-controlled domains, allowing data theft, including keystrokes and browser credentials. The campaign exploits Ukraine's high prevalence of unlicensed software, estimated at 70% in the public sector, increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks. Researchers have linked this activity to Sandworm through shared infrastructure and tactics, highlighting its role in Russia's hybrid warfare strategy against Ukraine. Cybersecurity experts recommend avoiding pirated software and implementing robust security measures to mitigate these threats.

Winsage

July 1, 2024

Has Microsoft’s AI Chief Just Made Windows Free?

Microsoft's licensing terms for Windows 11 prohibit users from publishing, copying, renting, leasing, or lending the software. The terms also state that just because a work is available online does not mean it is in the public domain or free to use. Microsoft is protective of its intellectual property and does not allow users to freely use its content.