More Windows 8 ISOs RTM Leaked, Microsoft Blocks Its Activation Server

The series of leaked Windows 8 builds continues with new ISOs available online, including Windows 8 RTM for China.

We’ve already seen Enterprise flavors of the platform leaked to various sharing websites, including the N version of the final build, and an original x64 build, but it seems that this is not all. Both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 8 Pro emerged online, WindowsBlogItalia reports, along with the x86 Windows 8 Enterprise RTM ISO. At the same time, info on leaked Windows 8 RTM for China also emerged, in both flavors as well. For what it’s worth, it was somehow expected that Windows 8 would leak online shortly after reaching the RTM milestone, especially given the hype around the platform. Of course, Microsoft did try to prevent that from happening, mainly through making pre-release flavors of the platform available for all users. As usual, those who would like to take any of these leaked builds for a spin are advised to proceed with caution. They are not official releases and might have malicious software packed inside.

Moreover, we should note that, while some of those who hurried and installed the leaked builds were able to activate them online, it appears that Microsoft has blocked new requests. Apparently, some people managed to crack the activation sequence and to bypass the Microsoft KMS servers, making the platform usable for 180 days before it needs to check again against a valid server. Before that, Windows 8 would notify users by means of a popup that they should head online and activate their copy of the platform. However, as mentioned above, the Redmond-based software giant has reportedly blocked access to the server, or might have even taken it down, to prevent more people from activating the leaked copies of Windows. Windows 8 is set to be released to the general public on October 26th, though it will become available for download for MSDN and TechNet subscribers, as well as for other Microsoft partners, later this week.

Windows 8 logo
Image credits to Microsoft

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