KMSPico is an illegal software which has been offered to activate Windows 10 and other Windows operating system versions for free. Unfortunately, this Key Management System is unsafe and has no relations to Microsoft Corporation. Experts say that users can put their computers at risk by using this tool as such application requires disabling the antivirus software. As a result, the system becomes vulnerable to PUPs or even malware. Unfortunately, people are still in search for KMSPico download sites to overcome Microsoft’s restrictions and get an ability to use Windows or Microsoft products for free. However, none of them provides reliable information on how this tool works. Likewise, people fall for less than trustworthy articles and expose their computers to various cyber threats without even knowing it.
| NAME | KMSPico |
|---|---|
| Type | Illegal system tool |
| Danger level | High |
| Main file | Secoh-qad.exe |
| Distribution | It can be downloaded from unreliable websites or reach the system via software-bundles |
| Potential dangers | Computers might be infected with other unreliable and potentially dangerous programs |
| Removal | Uninstall KMSPico and check the system with a professional repair software to make sure that there is no virus damage left. Our top pick is Reimage |
While trying to discuss this tool and think whether KMSPico is safe to use or not, you should first understand what does the term KMS or Key Management Service[1] mean. In reality, it is a technology used by Microsoft to activate services through a local network without the need to connect each individual computer to the developer.
Normally, the network administrators contact KMS servers through the Remote Procedure Call and then activate the desired services. However, starting with 2017 and earlier, creators, the ethical hacking team as they present themselves, have been offering a way to replace the existing key with a new volume license key and enable the services without having to connect to this KMS server. Such activity is considered illegal![2]
The first issue that appears when using KMSpico for Windows 10, 7 and other OS versions is that it expires and has to be renewed every 180 days. This means that the program must run on the computer without a break to give its users a chance to use it properly. However, it seems that none of the IT specialists have fully detected all the features of this software yet and it can reappear with even more issues.
Likewise, we advise our users to either stay away from the tool or uninstall KMSPico together with Secoh-qad.exe, Secoh-qad.dll and similar components right away. Illegal programs can be used to open the system’s backdoors and attract even more malicious software. Therefore, we recommend you to keep your computer safe and clean.
If you believe that your computer might be infected with any malicious programs infiltrated by this software, check the system with the anti-virus. Use Reimage if you have been bothered by system errors and similar issues related to your computer. This is a recommended step after KMSPico removal.
Main dangers related to the use of KMSPico
Even though people search for KMSPico official tool, this software is unauthorized by the Microsoft Corporation and can’t be considered legitimate in any way. In fact, during the installation, it requires you to disable all security applications on the computer what can lead to unprotected PC system and higher chances of getting infected with malware.
Experts have already pointed out that this program is detected by antivirus programs as a hacking-tool under these names:
- W32/Generik.GKMQDON!tr
- Trojan.Win32.Chapak.ffkokb
Moreover, users report that they have encountered problems with proxy settings after installing this tool. It is because pirated software often modifies default parameters of the operating system and interferes with legitimate programs. Thus, there are numerous discussions about so-called KMSpico virus which deteriorates browsing experience on the computer:
Do not install this. I warn you, I had turned off my antivirus and installed this program. End up with alot of malwares, 5 new strange apps and changed my browser data.
However, Reddit, Quora, and other tech forums are still filled with questions asking to share the link to the program’s download file or wondering if this app is safe. Beware that there are many “experts” related to this tool and actively declaring how useful and safe it is. Be careful with such declarations and always double-check information online.[3] If you have been pointed to download Kmspico from MyDigitalLife site, you should steer clear of it.
Keep in mind that the program violates Microsoft’s policies. Also, people who are working behind this tool will never provide the guarantee that their software is safe to use. Several years ago, the malicious installer was used to spread Domino ransomware. Also, adware programs have also been found after downloading this activator, and that is why some security researchers have started calling this dangerous program as adware[4].
Cybercriminals take advantage of the fact that people are seeking to get useful computer software for free, so they infect most requested computer programs with harmful components, such as Trojans or worms, or less-harmful threats like adware. In this case, malware can trigger such inconveniences as displaying intrusive ads or redirecting users to malicious websites. So, there is no doubt that you must remove KMSPico to keep your system secure.
We would like to encourage you NOT to download and use such illegal tools. KMS virus is definitely NOT a safe tool, so make sure you stay away from websites that are displayed above. Typically, they show up in first Google positions and look really convincing.
Operating systems supported by the program
When the tool was officially launched, it was promoted as the activator for Windows and Microsoft Office products. According to its developers, it can overcome the restrictions and help users use this software for as long as they want. However, there is no doubt that having your antivirus software disabled for the proper use of this program is not an option.
KMSPico Windows 10
It’s the latest version of the tool supposed to help users overcome restrictions and get an opportunity to use Windows 10 without any fee and restrictions. However, security experts do NOT recommend downloading this software because it is illegal. No matter that its advertisers have been stating that it cannot be detected by Microsoft, it is not true. You can easily be fined or even be sent to prison for the use of illegal software. At the moment, KMSPico Windows 10 is already blocked by Windows Defender, so users are offered to disable its Real-time protection. It is more than ridiculous.
KMSPico Windows 7
This version promises to activate the OS without the user’s intervention. However, it is not a lifetime activation as it has been claimed by hackers online. Additionally, beware that some sources of KMSPico Windows 7 have already been found to be unsafe. Once you download the tool, it can be set to start running its malicious activities after some safe time period passes by. Previously-mentioned activities include the collection of sensitive information, the installation of malware, etc.
KMSPico Office 2016
KMSPico Office 2016 is the version offered to overcome Microsoft’s restrictions. The tool promises to provide a genuine license and premium features without any money. Nevertheless, its processes never stop running in the background, so there is a high possibility of system crashes and malfunction. You can’t use an illegal license provided this tool if you uninstall it. However, this is the only way to go back to the safe and error-free use of your computer.
You can never know what new features the program you are about to install has. If you want to use a full, secure and legal version of Windows or Microsoft Office, you should buy the official license key. Besides, always keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up-to-date to prevent security vulnerabilities and stay safe online.
If you have installed this illegal program, we strongly recommend you to check your computer with an anti-malware program. A deep system scan will help you see whether you have installed some malicious programs along with it or not.
llegal software might appear on your computer without your knowledge
There are two ways how this hacking-tool may enter your system — you can directly download it from various shady websites that promote it, or the developers might distribute it together with a third-party application and help infiltrate your system without your permission.
The problem is that the developers of harmful or potentially unwanted programs tend to use software bundling technique, which helps them spread their shady products along with other free software. In this case, the install setup of an innocent looking program might introduce you to other programs that you can download and install at the same time as the primary software.
Additionally, remember that the program operates in the background stealthily, so you should pay extreme attention during the installation of free applications. Otherwise, you might not even notice how this unreliable software will enter your system and start its potentially dangerous activity.
According to NoVirus.uk[5] team, you can avoid KMSpico and related applications by following these steps:
- Never disable your antivirus;
- Download applications only from official websites or authorized distributors;
- Use Advanced/Custom parameters of the installation wizard and search for additional components;
- Keep your operating system and the security software updated at all times.
Uninstall KMSPico and get rid of OS-related problems
The term KMSPico virus is used to describe the unwanted consequences of this illegal software. Unfortunately, cracked OS by this tool might cause computer problems and prevent you from enjoying safe browsing. Therefore, there is no need to keep this software on your system or download it in the first place.
The safest way to remove KMSpico from your computer and get rid of OS-related problems is to run a full system scan with a professional malware removal software. After the scan, you can be sure that the application will be eliminated from your system along with other potentially dangerous components.
After KMSpico removal, we suggest you check the system for the following executable files and make sure that they are entirely eliminated:
- Secoh-qad.exe
- AutoPico.exe
- Service_KMS.exe
- unins000.exe
- KMSELDI.exe
- UninsHs.exe
- tap-windows-9.21.0.exe
In case you can’t uninstall KMSpico, follow the instructions below and learn how to prepare your computer for malware removal. Also, please be attentive and do not get rid of essential system files by mistake. Otherwise, you can cause more damage to your PC or even corrupt it permanently.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage . SpyHunter 5 and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Credit by 2-spyware