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Windows 10 can Disable Pirated Games and Unauthorized Hardware

windows 10 spying

Microsoft updated the “Microsoft Services Agreement” on August 1st, 2015 which prohibits the use of pirated software or unauthorized hardware. The new policy has a revision which clearly states:

“Sometimes you’ll need software updates to keep using the Services. We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices.”

“You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services. Such updates are subject to these Terms unless other terms accompany the updates, in which case, those other terms apply.”

“Microsoft isn’t obligated to make any updates available and we don’t guarantee that we will support the version of the system for which you licensed the software.”

This means Microsoft can disable any software in a database it deems as illegitimate. One could argue that this isn’t a problem to users opting for genuine software and only applies to pirates. However, anti-piracy measures can often be a disaster and takedown genuine pieces of software due to a malfunction. Additionally, unsupported hardware could refer to a motherboard change, or using an unofficial controller. Although, I highly doubt the latter would be true.

Whatever the case, these terms are quite disturbing and emphasizes Windows 10 is more of a service than an operating system. Honestly, I can see this causing a myriad of problems in the future. Even applying game mods or fan-patches could flag as being pirated. Microsoft already adopts a heavy-handed approach with its UAC system and this measure does little to alleviate concerns about snooping.

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31 Comments

    1. You don’t get a license key with the windows 10 upgrade. Your hardware configuration is simply authorise to use windows 10, and once you’re online, you automatically get genuine.

      1. That implies if you try to move your license to new pc then your flagged as unlicensed even though a different type of license has been applied to the older system

    2. doesn’t work that way if you upgrade from an pirate copy of 7 not only does it invalidate the install if you roll back you are automatically set up for the monthly license service if you stay with 10.

  1. just great… there goes 1 of my fav installed games then… had bought rainbow 6 vegas2 for pc right out of the box had issues trying to just install game.. long story short their work around was to download a cracked coppy of game that did install & play… so once I try to start up this game under Win10 it will be flagged & disabled :( not friggin kool microsoft……

  2. just great… there goes 1 of my fav installed games then… had bought rainbow 6 vegas2 for pc right out of the box had issues trying to just install game.. long story short their work around was to download a cracked coppy of game that did install & play… so once I try to start up this game under Win10 it will be flagged & disabled :( not friggin kool microsoft……

  3. We all knew Microsoft would take the asshat route the moment they announced windows10. And it only took one day after release for them to do so…
    WE THE USERS deem what is authorized or not, not the operating system.
    Our PCs, our rules.

  4. We all knew Microsoft would take the asshat route the moment they announced windows10. And it only took one day after release for them to do so…
    WE THE USERS deem what is authorized or not, not the operating system.
    Our PCs, our rules.

    1. Btw Windows 8 is better, you just need to change the windows startup menu with a downloadable skin. otherwise it has many other improvements that Win 7 lacks.

          1. It’s true, you gotta be kind and honest to these benevolent and consumer-friendly companies like Microsoft!

          2. Bob, can I call you Bob? Bob, do you work for a living? If you do do you think you deserve to be paid? I work for a living and feel I deserve to be paid for it. I also should be held accountable should I screw up. It’s only fair, they’re paying me. I also feel that when someone provides me goods or services that they deserve to be paid. They also should be bought to task when the goods or services are bad. Thing is, if you’re not paying for the goods or services and still you complain, you’re just a douche.

          3. Maybe if the OS was an affordable price nobody would need to Pirate. :l £80 for a shitty upgrade to Microsoft’s new cash cow is ridiculous, and they already have so much money that they could erect statues of golden hookers with diamonds for nipples. Microsoft do not need defending.

  5. The forced updates are what pisses me off. I’ll decide what updates I want and need thank you. And why does defender update almost daily on Win10. They said it would update when the PC is not in use, it is always updating when I’m using it and slows the shit out of my laptop.

  6. The forced updates are what pisses me off. I’ll decide what updates I want and need thank you. And why does defender update almost daily on Win10. They said it would update when the PC is not in use, it is always updating when I’m using it and slows the shit out of my laptop.

  7. Simple answer is don’t pirate software. Also all those bitching about sticking with Windows 7 or Windows 8 these will also be able to see if you are using pirated software if Microsoft so wishes. Its Microsofts terms and conditions that have been updated not Windows 10 thus meaning any update for any version of windows can do this. The article is very misleading and is just scaremongering so that people do not update.

    1. MIssing the point, what about information that isn’t *actually* pirated? – Usually you’ll get some programs removed simply for being free or for behaving a certain way. In most cases you’ll find that people are having the wrong programs removed.

  8. yea this is like Copy Protection i assume microsft will make the Publishers pay a good bit for over piece of software that uses there system

  9. so instead of the government having the ability to access, watch and limit what you can do on the internet, MS has taken the role upon themselves. Wouldn’t this be highly illegal if it was the government? If so why are we allowing a corporation to do it!

  10. The writer is either paranoid, stupid or trying to get clicks. I am betting on the last one.

    The terms clearly spell out what services are covered: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/servicesagreement/?s=ecym#serviceslist

    Notice what’s not on the list, Windows itself.

    This whole piracy thing is for Windows Store apps and anything identifying itself as a Xbox controller or Kinnect.

    I know it’s easy to think of MS as an evil corporation but come one, it’s not 1999 anymore, grow up people.

  11. wow out with win 10 in with win 7 8 8.1 again. mic rn ena soft again. revaling a good product and blam you get blasted by annoying anti pirate things. blahhh.

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