Several well-known security and privacy developers say Microsoft abruptly terminated their developer accounts, cutting off access to essential publishing and verification tools.
Affected projects include VeraCrypt, WireGuard, and Windscribe, names Windows users trust for encryption, networking, and privacy. Microsoft has acknowledged the actions, but has not fully explained why these trusted developers were dragged into its enforcement process. The situation highlights the current tension between automated security controls and the realities of open source development. It also raises questions about how Microsoft plans to avoid similar outages in the future.
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WindScribe was in the same situation, stating that its Microsoft developer account was also suspended. “We have been trying to resolve this for over a month and have gotten nowhere. Support is non-existent.” Added Windscribe. “Does anyone know a human being with a brain who still works at Microsoft and can help?”
But thanks to social backlash and, surprisingly, Epic Games CEO and founder Tim Sweeney, the issue was brought to the attention of Microsoft’s executive vice president of Windows and Devices Pavan Davuluri, who said the company was working to resolve the issue. Davuluri claimed that Microsoft had also contacted VeraCrypt and WireGuard, promising to reinstate their suspended accounts.
Ultimately, it appears that Microsoft did not intentionally block any partner accounts. Instead, the company introduced mandatory account verification in it Windows hardware program for those who had not completed the process since April 2024. The requirement went into effect on October 16, 2025, giving partners 30 days to verify their identity with a government-issued ID, as Davuluri noted.
We worked hard to make sure partners understood what was happening, through emails, banners and reminders. And we know that sometimes things still get overlooked. We’re taking this as an opportunity to review how we communicate changes like this and make sure we’re doing better.
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft executive vice president for Windows+ devices
Scott Hanselman, vice president and technical staff member at Microsoft, addressed the issue in X, stating that, “Hey, I love getting rid of my company as much as the next guy, because Microsoft does some dumb things, but sometimes it’s just about checking emails and verifying your accounts.”
Hey, I love ditching my company as much as the next person, because Microsoft does some dumb things, but sometimes it’s just checking emails and verifying your accounts. Not every “WTF micro$oft” moment is a flop. I personally emailed VeraCrypt and we will unlock it. I have… https://t.co/eLiJ3WQ42RApril 8, 2026
“Not every ‘WTF micro$oft’ moment is a total success,” Hanselman added. He indicated that not everything is conspiracy, and sometimes it could literally be paperwork. Either way, Microsoft should have already resolved the suspended developer accounts, or it will be close to being resolved.
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