Several prominent security and privacy developers say Microsoft has abruptly suspended their developer accounts, cutting off access to key publishing and auditing tools.
Affected projects include VeraCrypt, WireGuard, and Windscribe—names trusted by Windows users for encryption, networking, and privacy. Microsoft acknowledged these actions, but did not fully explain why these trusted developers were caught in the process of executing it. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between automated security controls and the realities of open source development. It also raises questions about how Microsoft plans to prevent similar breaches in the future.
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WindScribe was in the same situation, which means their Microsoft developer account has also been suspended. “We’ve been trying to resolve this for over a month and can’t get any results. No support” Added Windscribe. “Does anyone know someone who still works at Microsoft and has a brain that can help?”
But thanks to social backlash — and, surprisingly, Epic Games CEO and founder Tim Sweeney — the problem was reported to Microsoft’s EVP of Windows and Devices, Pavan Davuluri, who said the company is working on a fix. Microsoft also contacted VeraCrypt and WireGuard, promising to reinstate their suspended accounts, Davuluri claimed.
Finally, it appears that Microsoft has not intentionally blocked any partner accounts. Instead, the company introduced mandatory account verification in the year Windows hardware software For those who have 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, Davuluri noted.
We’ve worked hard to make sure partners understand it’s coming from emails, banners and reminders. And we know that sometimes things still get missed. We use this as an opportunity to review how we deliver changes like this and make sure we do it better.
Microsoft EVP for Windows + Devices, Pavan Davuluri
Scott Hanselman, VP and member of the technical staff at Microsoft, addressed the issue at X, noting that “Hey, I love falling for my company as much as the next person because Microsoft does some stupid things, but sometimes it’s just checking emails and verifying your accounts.”
Hey, I love hitting my company as much as the next guy because Microsoft does some stupid things, but sometimes it’s just checking emails and verifying your accounts. Not every “WTF micro$oft” moment is a slam dunk. I have personally emailed VeraCrypt and we will unblock it. I have… https://t.co/eLiJ3WQ42RApril 8, 2026
“Not every ‘WTF micro$oft’ moment is a slam dunk,” Hanselman added. He noted that not everything is a conspiracy and sometimes it can literally be paperwork. Either way, Microsoft had to resolve the suspended developer accounts by now or it will be close to being resolved.
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