Windows 10 Will Be Free, Even For Software Pirates

When Microsoft introduced security keys for Windows XP, it was the beginning of a long and tiring battle against piracy, one it would ultimately fail to control with users capable of downloading a full Windows 8 license in under two minutes.

Instead of continuing the tirade against pirates, it is actively embracing them by extended the free download of Windows 10 to illegitimate Windows 7 and 8 customers.

“Anyone with a qualified device can upgrade to Windows 10, including those with pirated copies of Windows,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. “We believe customers over time will realize the value of properly licensing Windows and we will make it easy for them to move to legitimate copies.”

Microsoft shocked quite a few Windows fans by announcing Windows 10 would be free for the first year to Windows 7 and 8 customers. It is a push to make sure all customers hop over to Windows 10, instead of staying on Windows 7.

Under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft has become much more friendly toward customers. Office for mobile removes the barriers to entry, alongside a price drop and additional features like unlimited OneDrive cloud storage, is just one example of this new relationship Microsoft is trying to build with customers.

Windows 7 has 55% of the current desktop market share, meaning Microsoft needs to make Windows 10 a loss leader in order to secure early adoption.

The main features on Windows 10 include universal apps, capable of working on desktop, mobile and tablet. The revamped design sticks to the classic Windows 7 desktop, with hints of Windows 8 bundled inside. Microsoft is adding major security upgrades to Windows 10, including being able to sign-in through voice, face or finger recognition.

Windows 10 will be available this summer in 190 countries.

Source: The Verge

Photo: Microsoft