Many Vietnamese users and businesses are no longer trying to “dodge” copyright but are “playing fair”: paying optimal costs, or taking advantage of free software, and even building their own software using artificial intelligence.

There was a time when installing cracked software was the “cost-saving” solution for many individuals and businesses. But now, with multiple waves of nationwide inspections and heightened awareness of data security, the wave of “using clean products” is booming.

From the question: “Can I install a cracked version?”

Previously, after every computer purchase, many people would search websites and forums for the latest cracked versions of Windows, Microsoft Office… but now Hoang Tung (Cau Kieu ward, Ho Chi Minh City) says he no longer bothers with those old addresses.

“Genuine Windows is now almost always given away when you buy a computer. Office software, image processing, graphics… all have many free options. For example, Microsoft Office can be replaced by Google Docs, Slides, Sheets… No need to use cracked versions,” Tung said.

In retail systems, the shift in user mindset is clearly reflected in the numbers.

According to Nguyen Thi Anh Hong, Director of the 24hStore retail chain: “If in the 2022-2023 period only about 20-25% of customers buying laptops were interested in genuine Windows or Microsoft Office, by 2026, the number of customers buying a Microsoft Office suite has exploded, growing by 80-100% compared to 2023.”

“If a few years ago customers often asked ‘Can I install a cracked Office?’, now the most common questions in stores are ‘How long does the genuine Office license last?’, ‘What’s the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office Home?’ or ‘Are there any bundle deals?’…” Hong said.

This shift is partly due to legal pressure. In 2026, Vietnam continuously conducts waves of inspections, checks, and handling of intellectual property violations nationwide, especially focusing on the digital environment and software use in businesses.

“Official retailers like 24hStore also firmly say ‘no’ to cracked software in any form, while offering subsidized packages and discounts for students to build the habit of using clean software for the younger generation,” Hong added.

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Buy what you need, build your own software

For small and micro-enterprises, switching to licensed software is not just about compliance, but a critical issue of performance and security.

Phan Nguyen Anh, CEO of Northern Star Food Vietnam, believes: “Respecting copyright is like respecting the labor of others.”

Northern Star Food Vietnam is currently spending about 18-20 million VND per month (equivalent to 216-240 million VND per year) on essential software such as Microsoft 365, Adobe, Canva, and accounting and warehouse systems. To optimize, the company applies the “right person, right job” formula. That is, specialized software is only provided to the departments that directly use it.

The results are completely superior. Microsoft 365’s cloud storage system means the company’s quotation and contract data is no longer scattered across personal computers, avoiding confusion. Applying integrated AI features like Copilot also helps staff summarize documents, compose international emails, and create slides much faster.

Currently, many

Cau Kieu ward

Cầu Kiều is a ward located in the city of Hội An, Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam, known for its historic and cultural significance within the ancient town. The area features traditional architecture and is part of Hội An’s well-preserved trading port, which flourished from the 15th to the 19th century as a major Southeast Asian commercial hub. Today, Cầu Kiều attracts visitors with its charming streets, historic bridges, and a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultural influences.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and economic hub. It played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War, serving as the capital of South Vietnam until the city’s fall in 1975, after which it was renamed in honor of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Today, the city blends its complex history with rapid modernization, featuring landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the War Remnants Museum.

Windows

The “Windows” likely refers to the Windows of the World cultural theme park in Shenzhen, China, which opened in 1993. This expansive park features miniature replicas of famous global landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal, allowing visitors to experience world heritage sites in one location. It was one of the first large-scale theme parks in China, reflecting the country’s growing interest in international tourism and cultural exchange during its reform era.

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity software developed by Microsoft, first launched in 1990 for Macintosh and in 1990 for Windows. Its history began with the bundling of separate applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, which had been released individually in the 1980s. Over the decades, it has become the dominant office suite globally, evolving with cloud-based services like Office 365 and Microsoft 365.

Google Docs

Here is a brief summary of Google Docs:

Google Docs is a free, web-based word processor developed by Google as part of its Google Drive office suite. Launched in 2006 after Google acquired the technology from a startup called Writely, it revolutionized document creation by enabling real-time collaboration among multiple users. Its history is a key part of the shift from traditional desktop software to cloud-based productivity tools.

Slides

The term “Slides” is too vague to identify a specific place or cultural site. It could refer to water slides, playground slides, or a location with “Slides” in its name, such as a rock formation or a museum exhibit. Please provide more context or a full name for an accurate summary.

Sheets

Sheets refers to the historic Sheets Mill, a gristmill located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, dating back to the early 19th century. This site served as a vital hub for local farmers, grinding grain into flour using water power from Pequea Creek. Today, it stands as a preserved landmark that offers insight into early American agricultural and industrial life.

Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service developed by Microsoft, first launched as Office 365 in 2011 before being rebranded in 2020. It evolved from the traditional Microsoft Office suite by integrating cloud storage, real-time collaboration, and AI-powered tools like Copilot. This shift reflects Microsoft’s move toward a subscription model, providing users with always-updated software for productivity, communication, and security.