Pirated Windows 10 to be Watermarked

Though Microsoft has decided to make the much-publicised move to upgrade even non-genuine versions of Windows to Windows 10 when the operating system is released this Summer – though there have been mixed messages from Microsoft since it was announced – it is known that the upgrade will not legitimise pirated licences.

Now, another caveat has been revealed: users that upgrade their pirated versions of Windows to Windows 10 will see a watermark on their desktop as a constant reminder that their Windows licence isn’t recognised by Microsoft, with the hope that it will encourage users to purchase genuine licences with “very attractive” upgrade options.

In a Microsoft blog post, the EVP of Operating Systems, Terry Myerson, wrote, “When we can’t verify that Windows is properly installed, licensed, and not tampered with, we create a desktop watermark to notify the user. If you ever encounter this watermark on a new machine, I encourage you to return the device immediately to the retailer from whom you purchased it and request a Genuine Windows device. 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. Non-Genuine Windows is not supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner.”

“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. Non-Genuine Windows is not supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner,” he added.

The Windows 10 upgrade for non-genuine copies of earlier Windows versions is designed to tackle rampant piracy of Microsoft’s operating system in China.

Thank you Engadget for providing us with this information.