Microsoft’s Windows 10 upgrade has caused quite a bit of excitement lately. For many users, Windows 8 brought a big change and took many some time getting used to. Some even stayed with Windows 7, only because they did not like the look and feel of Windows 8. While we are anxiously awaiting for Window’s 10, there has been some exciting news for millions of people.
According to Microsoft, all devices running Windows 8.1, Windows Phone 8.1, and all those still running Windows 7 will receive a free Windows 10 upgrade:
You could say it was somewhat expected that those running windows 8.1 would receive a free upgrade to Windows 10. What was not expected was for Microsoft to also offer the free upgrade to those still running Windows 7. What is even more interesting and surprising was the bombshell for those that have “non-Genuine” copies of Windows 7 or Windows 8: they will also receive the free Windows 10 update.
Yes, you read that correctly. Those that have a pirated version of of Windows 8.1 or 7 will also be able to receive a free version of Windows 10. This makes us wonder why the heck we paid for Windows in the first place. Well… outside of making the honest decision to purchase the software rather than stealing it, there might be more to this than what meets the eye. A Microsoft spokesperson stated to Ars:
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.
Simply put, if you have a non-Genuine copy of Windows 8.1 or 7 you can receive the Windows 10 update, but that copy will still be considered non-Genuine. We are unsure why those who have pirated copies of Windows will receive the free upgrade, but we can always speculate. How I see it, Microsoft can either give a free copy to pirates, or let them go and obtain a free copy through torrent sites. At least this way Microsoft will be able to better track those that download the update. But I still can’t help thinking, is it a trap? Are they trying to catch pirates in the act?
Microsoft has made it known that Windows 10 will be available to 190 countries and in 111 languages this summer. You can probably expect this upgrade to be seen as a software update on your current device, if you are eligible to receive the free upgrade.
There are many questioning Microsoft’s decision to give those who have pirated copies the free upgrade. What are your thoughts? Should Microsoft offer a free copy to pirates, or should they just let them download it illegally as always? What are their real intentions behind this generous upgrade? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.