It was originally announced that Microsoft would be offering a free upgrade to Windows 10, even if the user is currently on a pirated version of Windows. This sounds amazing and all, but it looks like that was only half the story. A recent comment indicates that pirates will be provided an offer to upgrade to Windows 10, but there will be strings attached.
The company had said that it would be offering a free upgrade to Windows 10 for everyone as a step to combat piracy. However, it did not provide additional information about what this meant. Many were hoping that it would lead to a free copy of Windows 10 on every PC in the world, although this does not appear to be the case.
It is more likely that Microsoft will be offering a free trial before asking the user to purchase a genuine copy of the operating system. On the other hand, it is possible that there will be a free version of Window 10 with many features removed to cater to these users. This sounds like the more likely solution if Microsoft really intends to combat piracy, and get as many users on to genuine copies of Windows 10.
A company spokesman told The Verge that “the upgrade practice would be consistent globally”, which really doesn’t add much information to the speculation. Although, it is comforting to note that Microsoft will be applying the same rules to everyone; and not just in China.
[Source: The Verge]
