Technoglitch
Core Member
For months, rumors have been swirling that Microsoft was so eager to get its entire customer base onto Windows 10 that it will extend its free upgrade offer even to those who obtained their copies of Windows by, um, questionable means. Well, it seems that may not be true after all. Or not entirely true. Or something.
Microsoft operating systems exec veep Terry Myerson weighed in on Friday to clarify the software giant's position on "Non-Genuine" Windows installs – although as clarity goes, his comments were hardly crystal.
"While our free offer to upgrade to Windows 10 will not apply to Non-Genuine Windows devices, and as we've always done, we will continue to offer Windows 10 to customers running devices in a Non-Genuine state," Myerson said.
OK then. Microsoft will not be offering free upgrades to Windows 10 to customers who are running an older version of Windows that isn't properly licensed. That's plain enough, right? But hang on ...
"In addition, in partnership with some of our valued OEM partners, [sic] we are planning very attractive Windows 10 upgrade offers for their customers running one of their older devices in a Non-Genuine state," Myerson added. "Please stay tuned to learn more from our partners on the specifics of their offers."
If, on the other hand, you just downloaded your copy of Windows from BitTorrent and used a keygen to activate it, don't expect Microsoft to give you a free upgrade to Windows 10. At least, that's our hunch.
Microsoft: Free Windows 10 for THIEVES and PIRATES? They can get stuffed • The Register
Microsoft operating systems exec veep Terry Myerson weighed in on Friday to clarify the software giant's position on "Non-Genuine" Windows installs – although as clarity goes, his comments were hardly crystal.
"While our free offer to upgrade to Windows 10 will not apply to Non-Genuine Windows devices, and as we've always done, we will continue to offer Windows 10 to customers running devices in a Non-Genuine state," Myerson said.
OK then. Microsoft will not be offering free upgrades to Windows 10 to customers who are running an older version of Windows that isn't properly licensed. That's plain enough, right? But hang on ...
"In addition, in partnership with some of our valued OEM partners, [sic] we are planning very attractive Windows 10 upgrade offers for their customers running one of their older devices in a Non-Genuine state," Myerson added. "Please stay tuned to learn more from our partners on the specifics of their offers."
If, on the other hand, you just downloaded your copy of Windows from BitTorrent and used a keygen to activate it, don't expect Microsoft to give you a free upgrade to Windows 10. At least, that's our hunch.
Microsoft: Free Windows 10 for THIEVES and PIRATES? They can get stuffed • The Register
