Fake Windows 11 Installers Have Malware

Hello Savvy Fam. The Windows 11 Insider Program is out and you can upgrade the existing Windows 10 installation to Windows 11. However, I need to warn you that there is a plethora of fake Windows 11 installers out there that can seriously harm your PC or collect personal data.

What Does Fake Windows 11 Look Like?

Here is an example of a fake Windows 11 installer and an activator.

Remember that there aren’t any official bundled Windows 11 installers and activators. Windows 11 is in an early development mode and it doesn’t require any activation. The only legitimate way to get Windows 11 is via the official Microsoft Insider Program. This option allows you to upgrade your existing Windows 10, but does not allow you to create a bootable USB.

In a recent article I have outlined exactly how to create a bootable USB using an unofficial ISO image you could download. This is for enthusiasts only and it involves a lengthy process of creating a bootable ISO image on a USB drive and no installers were used. If you have a throwaway PC with now Windows 10 license and want to try it, you can find it below.

Why Should I Care?

Take a look at the license agreement. This version of a “Windows 11 installer + Activator” installs extra pieces of software onto your system. God knows what this one does. At least they were “nice enough” to stuff this into the EULA, which nobody reads either way.

Who knows what other malicious pieces of software can be secretly added into your fake Windows installation, which could compromise your personal data.

Here’s what Kaspersky had to say about it:

It’s wild to have to say this, but if you’re planning to install Windows 11, you should get it from official sources. As it turns out, people who are using alternative methods to get Windows 11 are also getting some malware along with it!