[BetterRed]

No idea. But when Windows is Activated online I believe it associates the CPU serial number (wmic bios get serialnumber) with the Windows license number. This gets recorded somewhere, because if you install the same license onto a different CPU you have to Activate via a telephone call. Wouldn't CPU serial number + Windows license key provide a 'fairly unique' id from which to create a 'virtual' MS account - for want of a better word?

My attitude is that if you activate a commercial OS license and outsource system management to the OS supplier via its update service, then to all intents and purposes you've given them carte-blanche permission to do whatever they please, whenever they please.

I'm also certain the Aussie and UK internal security outfits have me on their files. A few years ago the FBI/NSA vacuumed up my email account, along with Ed Snowden's, so I assume I'm on their books too. If I wasn't already via 5 eyes :lol:

BR