Pirated Copies of Windows 10 Will Get the Upgrade Free Too

In an attempt to counter rampant piracy in China, Microsoft will update bootleg copies of Windows 10 as part of its summer roll-out as reported by Reuters. Terry Myerson, head of Microsoft’s operating system unit said:

““We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10.”

Myerson spoke to Reuters at a technology conference in Shenzhen, China, this week. With the piracy of Windows so great in China, and so many people using Windows XP still, Microsoft has extended its security support there. Myerson explained how forgiving the pirated copies was an opportunity to reconnect to all the Windows users.  Although speaking only in regards to China, it was later confirmed to The Verge that anyone qualified will get the release. A spokesperson for the company said:

“We believe customers over time will realize the value of properly licensing Windows and we will make it easy for them to move to legitimate copies.”

With the company already planning on free upgrades for users of Windows 7 and Windows 8 during the first year that Windows 10 is available. By doing this, they can create a more uniform user base, all sharing the same app store and cloud services. The increase in users because of upgrading pirated copies helps developers to streamline software, having fewer versions to work with.

With Apple and Xiaomi successfully establishing themselves in the software and services of the country, Microsoft’s speaking on China is no surprise. Keeping up means keeping users, even if pirated. With wanting to establish its own services worldwide, Microsoft should make a push for more legitimate licenses.

Source: PC World