This MiniTool article explores the mystery surrounding the Windows 11 leak, examining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of this significant event. The article also addresses the authenticity of the leaked operating system.

Update: The official release of Windows 11 occurred on October 5, 2021.

The initial leak in June 2021 sparked a flurry of activity over the following three months, with subsequent leaks, third-party builds, Windows Insider Program updates, and official Insider Preview ISOs becoming available.

This article delves into the key questions: When did the leak occur? Where did it originate? Who was responsible? How was it leaked? Why did it happen? And finally, was the leaked version genuine?

The "Why" Behind the Leak:

Microsoft Windows boasts a massive global user base, making any upgrade a highly anticipated event. The anticipation surrounding Windows 11, especially given the previous claim that Windows 10 would be the final iteration (clearly untrue), fueled intense curiosity about its features and design. This strong desire to see the next-generation OS inevitably led to someone with early access satisfying this curiosity through a leak.

The "When," "Where," and "How" of the Leak:

Between June 14th and 16th, 2021, the Indian tech website Beebom published an article containing a leaked version of Windows 11. This led to widespread downloads, use, and redistribution of the leaked ISO. Microsoft Japan responded by issuing a DMCA takedown notice to Google, requesting the removal of Beebom's article from search results, citing copyright infringement on the unreleased Windows 11.

Unmasking the "Who":

Several theories exist regarding the source of the leak:

• Theory 1: A Microsoft Marketing Ploy: Some speculate that Microsoft orchestrated the leak to generate pre-release buzz. However, the DMCA takedown notice contradicts this theory. It's illogical for Microsoft to both leak the OS and then actively pursue legal action against its dissemination.

• Theory 2: A Deceptive Fake Leak: Similar to a purported fake Windows XP leak with a misleading interface, some believed Windows 11's leak was a deliberate distraction. However, the leaked version closely resembled the subsequent Insider Preview builds, discrediting this theory.

• Theory 3: A Leak from a Microsoft Partner: The most likely scenario points to a leak originating from within Microsoft's ecosystem – perhaps an OEM partner, a third-party organization, or an internal source with access to pre-release builds.

The Authenticity of the Leaked Version:

Microsoft's DMCA notice confirms the leaked version was not legitimate. The notice explicitly stated that Beebom's article was distributing a copyrighted Windows 11 ISO.

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