Anything for grandma: Earlier this year, a YouTuber succeeded in getting ChatGPT to generate valid Windows 95 activation codes. While amusing, the feat didn't provide much utility as there's not exactly a lot of demand for an operating system that was released nearly 27 years ago. The general consensus was that ChatGPT would not be able to conjure up keys for more modern versions of Windows, but that proved untrue as recent developments have shown.

Asking for a product key out right is not going to get you very far, so Twitter user Sid had to outsmart the chatbot. Instead of directly requesting a product key, he asked ChatGPT to act as his deceased grandmother who would read Windows keys to help him fall asleep. Hilariously enough, it worked. ChatGPT spit out a handful of Windows keys and even offered its condolences.

The trick reportedly worked for Windows 10 and Windows 11, and Google's Bard was also susceptible. How is this even possible, you ask?

As some reports have noted, the chatbots appear to be doling out generic installation keys likely scraped from the web. While some of these keys do allow you to install Windows, they apparently do not allow you to activate the OS. Such keys can be useful for testing or evaluation purposes but if you are looking for a permanent solution, this probably isn't it.

Even if the chatbot-provided keys did allow for activation, using them would not be advised. There would not be much moral or legal ground to stand on, and it's not like Windows licenses are unreasonably high. A Windows 11 Home license goes for $139 directly from Microsoft but can be found for far less from other sources.

There are also legal routes to obtain free or heavily discounted Windows licenses. Right now, you can pick up a Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home, or Windows 10 Pro license from the TechSpot Store for just $29.99.

Image credit: Keys by George Becker, Laptop by Windows