While some users find this a convenient way to bypass activation, it carries significant risks:
To understand why a simple text file cannot work, you must understand the mechanics behind Microsoft’s Software Protection Platform (SPP). windows 8.1 activation txt
It writes DLL files to C:\Windows\System32\spp\ and creates scheduled tasks to re-activate every 30 days. While some users find this a convenient way
Sophos and Malwarebytes have both reported cases where "Windows activators" were used as the initial infection vector for ransomware. The user thinks they are just activating Windows; three days later, every file on their PC is encrypted with a pop-up demanding $500 in Bitcoin. The user thinks they are just activating Windows;
Do not risk your banking information, your family photos, or your social media accounts to save a few dollars. Delete any "activator.txt" files you have downloaded, run a full Windows Defender scan, and activate your software the right way.