KMS Pico is a popular activation tool for Microsoft Windows and Office products, known for its simplicity and effectiveness. However, like any software, it is not unheard of that many users encounter challenges and errors during the activation process.
From installation issues to antivirus conflicts, there’s a lot that can go wrong. We have analyzed the internet and reports from countless tech forums to put together a list of the most common problems with KMS Pico activation (Windows or Office). In this guide, we will help you better understand and address any of these problems to save time. No need to be frustrated anymore, the fixes are right here!
KMS Pico Triggering Antivirus Alerts
One of the most frequent issues with KMS Pico is its tendency to be flagged by antivirus software as a threat. These alerts, often referred to as “false positives,” occur because the tool modifies system files to bypass activation checks, which is a behavior commonly associated with malware.
Also, keep in mind the KMS Pico modifies system files (including registry entries) to accomplish activation. That is why it needs to run as an admin with elevated privileges (otherwise, the software cannot make modifications to system files). This is generally seen as a red flag by the majority of antiviruses, including Microsoft’s very own Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender).
Some third-party antiviruses can be especially stubborn about this. They keep you from turning off their protections at all costs. If you have a stubborn antivirus like that, it might be time to make a switch to a friendlier one!
Anyway, here are the fixes:
- Temporarily Disable Antivirus: Before downloading or running KMS Pico, temporarily disable your antivirus or real-time protection. This will prevent it from blocking the tool. Some antivirus programs will have multiple protections, like cloud-delivered protection, real-time scanning, blocking unwanted apps, etc. Turn them all off and remember to turn them back on when the installation has finished.
- Add to Exclusions List: Before even downloading the file, add a folder where you will download the zip (and an installation folder within Program Files) to your antivirus exclusion list. This will make sure that it does not get flagged, quarantined, or automatically deleted.
KMS Pico Does Not Launch Properly
Some users report that KMS Pico fails to open or crashes immediately after launching. This issue is often caused by missing administrative privileges or corrupted files during download.
So, make sure you are running the program as an admin! Right-click on the executable file and choose Run as Administrator. This grants the necessary permissions for the tool to function.
If the file is corrupted, delete the current version and re-download it from a verified source. Ensure your internet connection is stable during the download. Incomplete downloads often give this warning.
Lastly, you should also double-check the .NET Framework components. MS Pico relies on certain system components, such as the .NET Framework. Ensure it is installed and updated on your device by visiting the official Microsoft website!
Activation Fails for Windows or Office
Occasionally, users find that the activation process does not complete successfully, leaving their Windows or Office unlicensed. This can happen for various reasons, such as mismatched versions or system integrity issues.
First of all, ensure compatibility. Verify that your version of Windows or Office is supported by KMS Pico. The tool works with all major versions, including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, as well as Office 2010 to 2021. Some versions cannot correctly activate older Windows versions like 7 and none of them can activate Windows Vista. Also, no KMS Pico tool can activate an online copy of Microsoft Office 365.
Also, strangely enough, some users find better results when running KMS Pico completely offline. Unplug the ethernet cable or turn the WiFi off after downloading the file—you might have better results!
KMS Pico Activation Reverts After Updates
Unfortunately, this has no direct “fix” but only the option to reinstall it. After a major Windows or Office update, some users notice that their activation status reverts to “unlicensed.” This is because certain updates reset system files modified by KMS Pico during activation.
All you can do in this case is re-run KMS Pico. We recommend you add an excluded directory in your antivirus software and keep the downloaded KMS Pico zip or executable in it for future use. Simply re-run the tool to reactivate your software. The process is quick and restores full activation.
To avoid future disruptions, disable automatic updates in Windows settings or delay them until you’re ready to re-run KMS Pico after an update.
KMS Pico Detected as Malware by Windows Defender
Windows Defender flags and quarantines KMS Pico. It is simply because Windows Defender/Security considers any activator tool to be a potential threat due to its file-modifying behavior.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn Off Real-Time Protection: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection and temporarily disable real-time protection.
- Restore the File: If Windows Defender has already removed KMS Pico, navigate to the Quarantine section in Windows Security and restore the file.
- Add an Exclusion: After restoring the file, add KMS Pico to Windows Defender’s exclusion list to prevent future interference.
Wrapping Up
KMS Pico remains a reliable and widely used tool for activating Microsoft products, but it comes with its fair share of problems and issues. Most of the users face no problems as long as they follow the recommended installation steps. But exceptions are everywhere. If you face any issues, refer to our guide above and hopefully, the problem will be solved—leaving you with an activated copy of Windows or Microsoft Office (or both) in no time!
Always prioritize downloading from trusted sources to ensure your system’s safety while enjoying the full benefits of activated software. Team Daz offers the “official” version of the tool.
