News

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.

Ashley Allen

Disqus Comments Loading...

Recent Posts

Glorious Gaming Model O 2 Wireless Gaming Mouse

Lightning fast: Built with hybrid 2.4GHz wireless & Bluetooth connectivity, the Model O 2 Wireless…

11 mins ago

Elgato Stream Deck + White, audio mixer

Tactile operation, visual feedback LCD keys, touch bar and control knobs for audio, video, lighting…

12 mins ago

Luna Wireless Controller

BUILT FOR AMAZON LUNA - designed to provide an ideal playing experience on Luna, Amazon's…

13 mins ago

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset 

WORN BY CHAMPIONS — Rain, Faker, and James Baldwin wear the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless…

15 mins ago

Beats Fit Pro – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Flexible, secure-fit wing tips for all-day comfort and stability Custom acoustic platform delivers powerful, balanced…

16 mins ago

Sonos Ray Soundbar

Blockbuster sound right in your living room: Experience an immersive soundscape right in your living…

18 mins ago