Microsoft Clarifies Free Windows 10 Upgrade for Pirated Versions

We reported yesterday that Microsoft stated that Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users who have pirated versions of the operating system will still get a free upgrade to Windows 10 when it is released this summer. Microsoft has clarified this saying that they will allow users to get its latest distribution for free, but they are not giving it away for free.

Windows 10

“We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10,” Terry Myerson, the head of Microsoft’s operating systems unit, said in our original report. While talking to Arstechnica Microsoft clarified this statement by saying that these users will be able to upgrade to Windows 10, but the version of Windows 10 they get will be considered an unofficial version.

“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 … 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,” Microsoft said in a statement.

What was not explained is what the real difference would be between the “unofficial” version or unlicensed version of the software and the real genuine version. Microsoft could cut major features like the Windows Store, Xbox Video Store, you might have to deal with those blank black screens and you could lose major update options.

Source: eTeknix | News Archive

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