Microsoft Xbox Game Pass trial discontinued
The Microsoft Xbox Game Pass $1 14-day trial has been discontinued, as Microsoft appears to be cracking down on methods of activating Windows for free. Some users express that it was only a matter of time before the tech giant ended this offer, but others express disappointment at the company’s decision. While it’s certainly possible to obtain Windows for free, the fact that Microsoft owns the Xbox Game Pass platform where these scripts are hosted is a bit ironic.
“I knew it was coming,” one user writes. “Microsoft isn’t stupid. I mean, as amazing as it is, it was only a matter of time before they figured a way to stop it.”
“That’s just how it is,” another replies. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Others do compare this move to when Microsoft offered a $15 upgrade to Windows 8 from a Windows 7 trial install, but it’s unclear whether the company has changed its policies or if it’s cracking down on specific methods of activation.
Regardless, it’s funny to think that these scripts are hosted on a platform owned by Microsoft. I’m sure the company doesn’t care about these methods of activation since it makes money through data collection, rather than upfront payments.
Some users believe that Microsoft doesn’t care about these methods because they believe the company is more concerned about piracy among companies than personal use.
“Microsoft doesn’t care about individuals pirating because they make money off of companies through licensing,” one writes. “They don’t even enforce licensing on businesses.”
“Microsoft makes enough money from Windows through pre-built PCs and legitimate purchases that they don’t need to crack down on piracy,” another replies.
Personally, I believe that Microsoft does care about piracy, especially among individuals. The company has always expressed that its focus is on customer feedback, call time rather than billing for software usage. I’m sure they do care about piracy, as they make money through commercial licensing.
“I’ve never paid for Windows,” one user shares. “I used a pirated version of Windows 7, and then I upgraded to subsequent versions for free.”
“Yeah, I’ve never paid for Windows either,” another replies. “I’ve always used cracked versions of Windows. I had Windows 7 then upgraded to Windows 8 and 10.”
Whether you’re using a pirated version of Windows or want to make a legitimate purchase, there’s a discussion about the shift in Microsoft’s policies.
“Microsoft used to let you upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free,” one writes. “You could use the media creation tool to get a valid digital key.”
Another replies, “I didn’t know that. I’m going to try this out.”
Others mention the option to upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to 10 using Microsoft’s media creation tool, which provides a valid digital key. However, this method may require a clean install and is only available for 30 days after you download the tool.
There’s a discussion about the safety and practicality of downloading and running EXE/DLL files. Some give their experience of obtaining keys from websites, while others advise against downloading files from the internet.
“Don’t forget that you can also upgrade to Windows 11 using a Windows 7 key or upgrade to Windows 10 for free without any special tools,” another adds.
