Microsoft: Just kidding! Pirates will not be getting free upgrade to Windows 10

Microsoft has backtracked on previous announcements today, telling pirates that they will not be getting a free upgrade to Windows 10.

Earlier this year, Windows boss Terry Myerson said everyone with Windows 7 and 8.1 would get a free upgrade to Windows 10, including those without genuine copies. The statement made a lot of waves, but it seems it was for naught.

Myerson explained:

Today, I thought I would provide answers to some questions we've received regarding how this will work for Genuine vs. Non-Genuine Windows.

With Windows 10, we have extended an offer to our Genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Once a customer upgrades, they will continue to receive ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for free, for the supported lifetime of that device.

These customers purchased their Genuine Windows license from our valued OEM partners, which ensures Windows is properly installed, licensed, and not tampered with. Windows 10 offers our customers an even more secure and modern experience. Bringing all of our customers to Windows 10 improves the ecosystem for developers which makes Windows better for all of our customers. We are working hard to make the in-place upgrade experience from Windows 7 or Windows 8, to Windows 10, seamless for the customer. Throughout the Windows world, I am humbled by the excitement being associated with this opportunity to upgrade to Windows 10.

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.

Microsoft and our OEM partners know that many consumers are unwitting victims of piracy, and with Windows 10, we would like all of our customers to move forward with us together. 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. In addition, in partnership with some of our valued OEM partners, we are planning very attractive Windows 10 upgrade offers for their customers running one of their older devices in a Non-Genuine state. Please stay tuned to learn more from our partners on the specifics of their offers.

Source:
Microsoft

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 15 May 2015 22:57

audvare

This should not be a surprise or anything.

16.5.2015 04:11 #1

Mysttic

Quote: 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. Because Genuine Windows is any better, what a load of crock.

16.5.2015 09:42 #2

djgizmo

So having a cracked windows copy is 100% full proof? That's a load of crock. Yea, having a cracked copy is 'cool' when you're 14, but when you need stability and the ability to update/patch without worrying if its going to break your activation, the value of a legit serial/key increases.

Cracked copies do have a higher risk as most of them can only update so much before it breaks the activation... then at that point, malware / questionable scripts can exploit 0-day vulnerabilities and then you're hosed.

16.5.2015 10:36 #3

DOS_equis

Originally posted by djgizmo: So having a cracked windows copy is 100% full proof? That's a load of crock. Yea, having a cracked copy is 'cool' when you're 14, but when you need stability and the ability to update/patch without worrying if its going to break your activation, the value of a legit serial/key increases.

Cracked copies do have a higher risk as most of them can only update so much before it breaks the activation... then at that point, malware / questionable scripts can exploit 0-day vulnerabilities and then you're hosed. I doubt the watermarking checks will catch the DAZ Loader crack. It always checks out to be genuine with MS validation tool and the look, feel, and safety/ security of the OS with the crack is the same as being legit. That was/ is one of the best and easiest OS crackers ever and doesn't leave behind any files or folders that have to have exclusions added to AV softs. If someone didn't tell you that a particular PC was activated with it you truly wouldn't know the difference.

16.5.2015 22:40 #4

hearme0

Originally posted by Mysttic: Quote: 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. Because Genuine Windows is any better, what a load of crock. Really...REALLY?????

Did you just say this????

Get a grip and refrain from making meritless statements!

17.5.2015 00:40 #5

ivymike

Wll if M$ didn't limit the number of machines you can install windows on, it wouldn't be that bad. Machines break down, you know. Then what???

17.5.2015 01:09 #6

audvare

Originally posted by DOS_equis: I doubt the watermarking checks will catch the DAZ Loader crack. And you really think MS is not working out ways to detect this crack or any other of the others people are using.

Originally posted by ivymike: Wll if M$ didn't limit the number of machines you can install windows on, it wouldn't be that bad. Machines break down, you know. Then what??? You can always reactivate when you have a legitimate license. If you do not, that is your problem.

17.5.2015 01:36 #7

ivymike

I had a motherboard burn out on my Windows 7 computer. After I put the new replacement motherboard it, Guess what? my "genuine" Windows 7 key is no longer valid.

I had to call M$ for a new key, smfh.

17.5.2015 01:55 #8

DOS_equis

Originally posted by audvare: Originally posted by DOS_equis: I doubt the watermarking checks will catch the DAZ Loader crack. And you really think MS is not working out ways to detect this crack or any other of the others people are using.

If they could do this they would have already since the crack is years old. Not saying they don't know about it or anything like that. It involves using the SLIC tables for OEM keys and whatnot so if they were to mass-ban the keylist there would be a ton of genuine machines instantly turned into non-genuine states. They pretty much solved it at first with the Win8 activation scheme being embedded in the BIOS so no more exploiting keys through MS genuine/ key labels on the bottom of machines. The new loader is totally different and the older Win7 loader doesn't work on it but from what I have read there is a new DAZ cracker for it. It's similar to the cracker for Office using VLK keys and/ or the KMS server spoofing/ rearm and activation tokens.

eddited by ddp

I don't think MS is really worried about the pirates like when Ballmer was at the wheel. I believe this is a way to calm the nerves of investors.

17.5.2015 19:11 #9

ThePastor

"they will continue to receive ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for free, for the supported lifetime of that device"
I'm a bit worried about the use of the word "device".
My version of Windows is device agnostic. It is not and should never be tied to a specific "device". If I want to disable the license on one computer to enable it on another that is my prerogative. If this policy changes then it is a major change for MS.

Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

19.5.2015 17:24 #10

ddp

Mysttic, you are right & hearme0, you are wrong.

19.5.2015 21:15 #11

Mr-Movies

I'll second DDP's comment.

By the way DDP that link in DOS_equis (Post 9) reply to a DAZ Loader is possibly not a Loader hack tool and is full of possible malware, there are at least 8 programs added to your system that aren't needed and using custom install and deselecting the ones you can remove you still get more you can't remove and that they try to force on you before you even get to the loader. I didn't put this into a VM but I did a brief test on my running OS but killed it with task manager before something might go south.

It's probably a dangerous file you might want to remove that link. FYI

19.5.2015 21:55 #12

ddp

edited.

19.5.2015 22:02 #13

DOS_equis

Originally posted by Mr-Movies: I'll second DDP's comment.

By the way DDP that link in DOS_equis (Post 9) reply to a DAZ Loader is possibly not a Loader hack tool and is full of possible malware, there are at least 8 programs added to your system that aren't needed and using custom install and deselecting the ones you can remove you still get more you can't remove and that they try to force on you before you even get to the loader. I didn't put this into a VM but I did a brief test on my running OS but killed it with task manager before something might go south.

It's probably a dangerous file you might want to remove that link. FYI Sorry about that. I didn't mean to spread a bad link. I mainly posted it for information purposes. I usually get DAZ loader via torrent and haven't ever had a problem. When you run the real DAZ Loader it just pops up with a GUI for the app, no nag screens or malware type of sideloading programs. If anyone is interested in it just search on KAT for DAZ Loader and read the comments before using to make sure you have a good copy.

Again, I apologize for the bad link. Wasn't trying to spread crap. I should have posted a link to PirateBay or KAT where the real Loader is.

20.5.2015 09:49 #14

ddp

no problem.

20.5.2015 12:49 #15

ehvbadboy

Originally posted by djgizmo: So having a cracked windows copy is 100% full proof? That's a load of crock. Yea, having a cracked copy is 'cool' when you're 14, but when you need stability and the ability to update/patch without worrying if its going to break your activation, the value of a legit serial/key increases.

Cracked copies do have a higher risk as most of them can only update so much before it breaks the activation... then at that point, malware / questionable scripts can exploit 0-day vulnerabilities and then you're hosed. Never had any problems with a cracked verson of windows. Lol i had more problems with an original version esp the update from win7 to 8 and 8.1 .first install w7 than w8 than tried to install w8.1 no way had to call customer service to get it right. Since that day i use a cracked w8.1 saves me a lot of installing and calling

21.5.2015 06:44 #16

EEE31

so for the high amount of people still sticking with XP they dont get fre upgrades?

21.5.2015 15:57 #17

ddp

nope & neither do vista users.

21.5.2015 17:19 #18

Jemborg

Originally posted by ddp: Mysttic, you are right & hearme0, you are wrong. I have to second that too.

Even if one uses Daz loader and it fails at some point just installing another version fixes it. You don't even have to uninstall the old one, crazy.

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

DSE VZ300-
Zilog Z80 CPU, 32KB RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 16 colours (text mode), 5.25" FDD

21.5.2015 22:52 #19

ddp

Jemborg, you have to 3rd it as Mr-Movies already 2nd it.

21.5.2015 23:00 #20

DXR88

Originally posted by DOS_equis: Originally posted by djgizmo: So having a cracked windows copy is 100% full proof? That's a load of crock. Yea, having a cracked copy is 'cool' when you're 14, but when you need stability and the ability to update/patch without worrying if its going to break your activation, the value of a legit serial/key increases.

Cracked copies do have a higher risk as most of them can only update so much before it breaks the activation... then at that point, malware / questionable scripts can exploit 0-day vulnerabilities and then you're hosed. I doubt the watermarking checks will catch the DAZ Loader crack. It always checks out to be genuine with MS validation tool and the look, feel, and safety/ security of the OS with the crack is the same as being legit. That was/ is one of the best and easiest OS crackers ever and doesn't leave behind any files or folders that have to have exclusions added to AV softs. If someone didn't tell you that a particular PC was activated with it you truly wouldn't know the difference. they can check retail bios codes VS known OEM Bios codes and invalidate those that don't match the SLIC or OEM, but only if the PC is ran in UEFI.

the real question, is Microsoft going to deny potential costumers because there using a 2008 era pc and force windows 10 to run in UEFI.

they could easily update the EULA to include a clause that forces you switch UEFI on in order to get the free upgrade offers, or even the home edition itself. leaving the paid for editions like pro and enterprise exempt from the UEFI only rule

22.5.2015 00:30 #21

Jemborg

Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, you have to 3rd it as Mr-Movies already 2nd it. Toch'... I should have expected that.

Hmmm, I'll third you and second MM's seconding... in a second. :)

Actually Dexter, and others, for Win7, DAZ won't work in UEFI in later mobos either, it has to be run inside legacy mode. Install Win7 via the required drive itself not it's UEFI named partition, so to speak.

Some of my acquaintances have also had less trouble with a cracked win7 than a legit one strangely.

I've known some to upgrade to Win10 from a DAZ cracked Win7 no problemo.

Friend of mine working for HP bought a high end Omen laptop with his staff discount. Running 8.1 natively, legitimately, we tried to upgrade it to Win10... big fail. Utter dismal failure. Crash city. It has a while to go yet before that free upgrade is worth it.

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

DSE VZ300-
Zilog Z80 CPU, 32KB RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 16 colours (text mode), 5.25" FDD

22.5.2015 02:34 #22

DXR88

Originally posted by Jemborg: Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, you have to 3rd it as Mr-Movies already 2nd it. Actually Dexter, and others, for Win7, DAZ won't work in UEFI in I know that already, that's what i'm saying if they force people to Use UEFI as the mandatory to upgrade, DAZ Loaders is SOL

22.5.2015 02:59 #23

Jemborg

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

DSE VZ300-
Zilog Z80 CPU, 32KB RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 16 colours (text mode), 5.25" FDD

22.5.2015 04:53 #24

DOS_equis

Originally posted by DXR88: Originally posted by Jemborg: Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, you have to 3rd it as Mr-Movies already 2nd it. Actually Dexter, and others, for Win7, DAZ won't work in UEFI in I know that already, that's what i'm saying if they force people to Use UEFI as the mandatory to upgrade, DAZ Loaders is SOL They might try and force people to use UEFI but that would alienate a ton of machines and how is granny going to understand that she needs to buy a new machine to participate in a free upgrade that is offered to her? I know that is kinda far fetched but you understand. It would be the same as the old crap with Vista where you had to use a system compatibility checker to see if you could even install it due to OS bloat. A lot of people stayed on XP due to this and the other 10 million blue screens/ errors/ crashes that were going on at the time. I guess the UEFI would only stop the current DAZ Loader from working or make it breakable later on. edited by ddp due to possible piracy.

22.5.2015 10:57 #25

DXR88

Originally posted by DOS_equis: Originally posted by DXR88: Originally posted by Jemborg: Originally posted by ddp: Jemborg, you have to 3rd it as Mr-Movies already 2nd it. Actually Dexter, and others, for Win7, DAZ won't work in UEFI in I know that already, that's what i'm saying if they force people to Use UEFI as the mandatory to upgrade, DAZ Loaders is SOL They might try and force people to use UEFI but that would alienate a ton of machines and how is granny going to understand that she needs to buy a new machine to participate in a free upgrade that is offered to her? I know that is kinda far fetched but you understand. It would be the same as the old crap with Vista where you had to use a system compatibility checker to see if you could even install it due to OS bloat. A lot of people stayed on XP due to this and the other 10 million blue screens/ errors/ crashes that were going on at the time. I guess the UEFI would only stop the current DAZ Loader from working or make it breakable later on. edited by ddp due to possible piracy. UEFI has been standard since 08, besides if grams can install an operating system, I'm pretty sure she can flip a simple setting in bios.

I for one do not use UEFI, I've already seen what hackers did to a server using Intel's EFI.

Low Level I/O's like the bios should always be loaded outside an operating systems control, its just to risky.

22.5.2015 20:54 #26

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