Techlore Surveillance Report Microsoft Just Removed Another Way to Activate Windows Offline
25 snips
Jan 11, 2026 Microsoft has blocked offline activation for Windows, pushing users to adapt to online accounts. California introduces a tool to help people erase their data from brokers, possibly sparking a trend across other states. The ongoing fallout from the LastPass breach continues to affect users, leading to cryptocurrency theft. In Europe, France's proposed social media ban for under-15s raises concerns about privacy and censorship. With new threats emerging, the podcast wraps up with updates on security and privacy tools.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Microsoft Pushing Online-Only Windows Activation
- Microsoft is steadily forcing online Microsoft Account activation in Windows 11, removing offline activation options like phone-based flows.
- This shift prioritizes ecosystem lock-in and creates accessibility barriers for users without internet access.
Defaults As A Microsoft Growth Lever
- Microsoft uses defaults and friction to steer users into its services like Edge, Bing, and Copilot rather than improving product quality.
- These default-driven tactics mirror past monopoly behaviors but now extend into many everyday Windows experiences.
Bypass Microsoft Account During Windows Setup
- If you must use Windows, use Rufus to create install media and enable the option to bypass Microsoft online requirements during setup.
- Alternatively, run manual command-workarounds or consider switching to macOS or Linux to avoid enforced Microsoft integration.