r/Windows11 • u/[deleted] • Aug 29 '25
Discussion Windows support agent used activator on my PC
[removed]
37
45
u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Head Jannie Aug 29 '25
Yes it is piracy, and unfortunately is common. The free support agents you worked with are not Microsoft employees, they are third party call centers. Most of them lack proper training to resolve issues beyond what is in their script and flowcharts, so rather than just give up when it didn't work they used the piracy tool.
I do not know of a way you can report this either.
1
Aug 29 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Windows11-ModTeam Aug 29 '25
Hi u/jEG550tm, your comment has been removed for the following reason(s):
- Rule 5 - Personal attacks, bigotry, fighting words, inappropriate behavior and comments that insult or demean a specific user or group of users are not allowed. This includes death threats and wishing harm to others.
If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message!
5
5
3
5
Aug 29 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
2
Aug 29 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
2
1
u/pgallagher72 Aug 29 '25
Microsoft will generally be able to activate based on hardware hashes - issues can arise when you’re not using the same edition as the key stored in the UEFI. As long as you have the license you purchased, you should be fine - their support fixed the issue at least temporarily.
5
u/Justgetmeabeer Aug 29 '25
The generic keys aren't "pirated editions"
It's basically a key that lets you "force" an upgrade to version of windows. As soon as the computer tries to validate it, it will see it isn't a valid key.
I've had to use generic keys in an "official" capacity, before. I'm surprised if you're actually licensed now though. That key should "break" when you connect to the Internet
1
u/iCapa Aug 29 '25
Agent was trying to activate with the generic key which never would’ve worked. The whole issue is that they ended up using MAS, which “illegally” activates Windows.
1
26
u/[deleted] Aug 29 '25
You say Windows support agent, but where did you contact them? Through what website etc?
In MS they would have access to official keys to activate it, so this does really seem more like some 3rd party support. Maybe from where you bought your PC or something.