microsoft has suspended developer accounts linked to VeraCrypt, WireGuardand Windscribe, which has cut off their access to driver signing and other Windows hardware program tools. These suspensions prevented affected developers from releasing signed updates for their software, leaving users without security patches during the period when accounts remained inactive.
WireGuard creator Jason Donenfeld said: “I can’t sign drivers, which means I can’t submit updates for WireGuard for Windows.” VeraCrypt developer Mounir Idrassi explained that he was unable to reach a human at Microsoft despite multiple contact attempts and only received automated responses. Windscribe noted that it had spent more than a month trying to resolve the suspension without success.
Why Microsoft suspended these developer accounts
Microsoft has implemented a mandatory identity verification process for Windows Hardware Program partners who have not completed the process since April 2024.
The new rule went into effect on October 16, 2025 and gives members a 30-day period to verify their identity using a government-issued ID. Accounts that did not complete verification were suspended.
Pavan Davuluri, executive vice president of Windows and devices at Microsoft, mentioned that the company sent emails, banners and reminders before the deadline, although some communications have not yet been fulfilled. He said: “We are taking this opportunity to review how we communicate changes like this and make sure we are doing better.”
How suspensions were escalated and addressed
The suspension incident gained wider recognition after the affected developers posted about it on social media. epic games CEO Tim Sweeney highlighted the issue, leading Davuluri to become directly aware of the problem. Davuluri confirmed that Microsoft had contacted VeraCrypt and WireGuard and that the company plans to reinstate their accounts.
Microsoft Vice President Scott Hanselman commented on the situation via X, describing the suspensions as a paperwork issue rather than an intentional enforcement action against the projects.
Microsoft has not clarified whether the three accounts have been fully restored nor has it announced any changes to its verification enforcement policy for open source developers in the future.
