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Windows 10 for pirates: An ‘attractive’ upgrade offer is coming, but not a free upgrade

Published May 18th, 2015 6:50AM EDT
Windows 10 Pirate Genuine Price
Image: Microsoft Corporation

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It took Microsoft a while, but the company has finally clarified its stance on the Windows 10 upgrade for pirated copies. Previously, the company said the upgrade will be still available as a free of charge download for PC owners that have installed pirated copies of Windows 7 or later, and then further elaborated on the matter by adding that these Windows 10 copies will still be labeled as not genuine. In a new blog post, the company said that Windows 10 won’t be free for pirates.

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The company will watermark the desktop of non-genuine Windows 10 builds to notify the user. Those Windows pirates who will want to upgrade to a genuine Windows 10 version will be able to do so at by choosing one of Microsoft’s “attractive” Windows 10 offers, Microsoft explained.

However, the company has not explained what attractive means in terms of prices. In fact, so far, Microsoft is yet to mention pricing details for its upcoming major desktop operating system launch.

As for non-genuine Windows 10 versions, the company warns that illegal copies might not offer the same security and performance as genuine ones.

“Non-Genuine Windows has a high risk of malware, fraud, public exposure of your personal information, and a higher risk for poor performance or feature malfunctions,” the company said. “Non-Genuine Windows is not supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner.”

More details about Windows 10 for pirates are available at the source link.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.