Microsoft Cracks Down on Windows 11 Piracy; Lenovo Impresses at MWC

Last week’s Mobile World Congress was a tech enthusiast’s paradise, showcasing a slew of innovations. Lenovo stole the show with some cutting-edge concepts, debuting a solar-powered PC and a foldable laptop boasting an impressive 18.1-inch screen.

But it wasn’t just about prototypes. We also got to see some gadgets soon heading to stores, like the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition, which we’ll discuss in more detail in a bit.

Meanwhile, outside the hustle and bustle of the Congress, Microsoft took a firm stand against software piracy. They’ve ensured their Copilot AI assistant will no longer provide tips on pirating Windows 11—a significant move considering their ongoing updates to improve user experience on both Windows 11 and macOS.

### Tackling Windows 11 Piracy

In an effort to clamp down on piracy, Microsoft has tweaked their Copilot AI, which previously could guide users on activating Windows 11 without a license. Now, when you query Copilot about activation, it politely suggests changing the subject.

Copilot’s recent responses go something like this: “I can’t help with bypassing Windows 11 licenses, but remember, using unlicensed software can bring risks like security vulnerabilities. It’s worth looking into legitimate ways to acquire a license. There are often discounts for students and seniors, or even alternative operating systems like Linux that are free.”

Ironically, piracy has always been straightforward, but having Copilot aid in this was as ironic as it was newsworthy.

### Exploring Lenovo’s Latest Conceptions

Lenovo is undoubtedly pushing boundaries with its designs. The company showcased the ThinkBook, codenamed Flip, which features a unique 18.1-inch foldable display. This versatile screen can flip for easy sharing or be positioned vertically for viewing, though this setup makes it a tad top-heavy. It’s still a concept, so expect Lenovo to tweak the balance before any potential release.

Another pioneering design from Lenovo is the Yoga Solar PC, featuring built-in solar panels on its lid. Using advanced technology, these panels promise up to an hour of usage after just 20 minutes of sun exposure. While the solar panels add an innovative twist, their aesthetics might divide opinion.

### Meet the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition

Beyond concepts, Lenovo also rolled out the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition at the show. This laptop packs a punch with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and an NVIDIA RTX 5070 GPU, catering to creatives who need serious power. Its 16-inch screen, reaching an impressive 1,600 nits, delivers stunning visuals with its dual OLED pixel layers, potentially making it the brightest laptop screen out there.

### Copilot’s Latest Updates

Microsoft’s new Copilot app, now in preview for Windows 11, has been rebuilt with a native app UI, moving away from the previous web wrap. This means faster load times and better performance, which early users have welcomed. They even launched a Mac version slightly ahead of Windows.

### Tune Into the Windows Central Podcast

Catch up with tech experts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden each week on the Windows Central Podcast. In their latest episode, they dive into topics such as Skype’s demise, Lenovo’s MWC revelations, and Copilot’s updates. The podcast is available both on YouTube and across various podcast platforms.

### Latest Reviews and Deals

At Windows Central, our team is always hands-on with the best tech out there. Recently, they explored standout items like the lightest AI-driven PC, a 4K Thunderbolt hub monitor, and a near-perfect monitor arm. In terms of shopping, we’ve sought out killer deals this week, including markdowns on WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition, the ASUS VivoBook S 15, and the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.

If you don’t want to pay full price, keep an eye on these curated deals from our experts—they could save you a pretty penny!