We knew Windows 10 will be
a free upgrade but now Microsoft has acknowledged that even the users running
the pirated versions of Windows will be able to upgrade to Windows 10.
Speaking to Reuters the Windows chief said:
"We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10".
Microsoft
later expanded on
this by saying:
"Anyone with a qualified device can upgrade to Windows 10, including those with pirated copies of Windows".
This sounds
like that Microsoft has given up the fight against the piracy. Upon further
clarification, Microsoft’s spokesperson said:
"We have always been committed to ensuring that customers have the best Windows experience possible. With Windows 10, although non-Genuine PCs may be able to upgrade to Windows 10, the upgrade will not change the genuine state of the license. Non-Genuine Windows is not published by Microsoft. It is not properly licensed, or supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. If a device was considered non-genuine or mislicensed prior to the upgrade, that device will continue to be considered non-genuine or mislicensed after the upgrade. According to industry experts, use of pirated software, including Non-Genuine Windows, results in a higher risk of malware, fraud (identity theft, credit card theft, etc), public exposure of your personal information, and a higher risk for poor performance or feature malfunctions".Microsoft is deviating from its regular sales model for the first time, giving away Windows 10 for free, at least for the first year. With the latest announcement about Windows 10, Microsoft has completely eliminated the need to pirate the software. It's free for everyone, even those with illegal copies, but it seems pirates won’t get the full benefit.
