I wouldn't make that conclusion. As we know, knowledge is very compartmentalized in the NSA. So, there could be groups in the NSA trying to find attack vectors for Microsoft Windows while other parties in the NSA might have backdoor access to Windows for use in specific circumstances.

Furthermore, Microsoft has universal access to Windows machines which connect to Microsoft servers to download patches. The government can argue with risk to national security and force Microsoft to let them use that update mechanism to spread their malware.

Very true...I've often wondering about that relationship to the Google Play / iOS Apple store.

um - best not to wonder too loudly.

the fact that this was downvoted to light grey terrifies me.

Even if they had a universal back door into Windows, I'd expect them to research other attacks for a number of reasons:

- Backdoors can be discovered; I'd assume it is less likely to be detected if you use it less.

- Esoteric network configurations may make the 'normal' backdoor inaccessable

- Securing their own systems

- Deniability - if an attack in progress is discovered, it's better for the NSA et. al that it looks like a bug being exploited by an unknown third party than a deliberate backdoor (though I suspect any backdoors, should they exist, are designed to look accidental).

Edit: typo fixed and clarification

When a backdoor is too much used, it begins to be noticed and will be closed. NSA needs to have as many means of actions as possible.