Should Microsoft Allow Pirated Windows To Be Validly Licensed?

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Last week we saw a lot of news around the upcoming release of Windows 10. One of the stories that seemed to really grab everyone's attention was the idea that users of a pirated copy of Windows would be allowed to upgrade to Windows 10 for free and become a legitimately licensed user of Windows.

A few days later Microsoft clarified that stance and indicated pirated copies of Windows would be able to upgrade to Windows 10 however, the licensed state of that machine would remain in a non-genuine status.

What do you think? Should Microsoft just allow these illegally licensed copies of Windows to become legitimate through the free Windows 10 upgrade process?

Source : http://winsupersite.com/poll/03232015-0

 

[Mommalina]

If someone with a pirated Windows comes forward for a
W10 upgrade, could he be setting himself up for legal
problems? Is pirating operating systems illegal and
could charges be pressed?

Please forgive my ignorance ..

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

It is illegal, Lina but Microsoft has been toying with the idea of allowing pirated systems access to the free upgrade to Windows 10 when it's released.

 

[AWS]

No one should get a free pass. Doing something like that would alienate me. Now that I rolled out iPads for the foreman and superintendents in the field I could easily move from Windows PC's to Apple for the rest of the company. Many have asked me why I haven't do so already since I am seen as a big Apple guy at work.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

I don't think it's right either. Why should someone who doesn't pay for a licensed copy of Windows be allowed a free upgrade.

 

[DSTM]

I think Microsoft is trying to reign in the huge pirate problem it has in China where only one in ten use legit copies.
I can't see how this free upgrade will curb the problem against the pirates.
I agree. no one deserves a free upgrade if using a pirated copy of an OS now.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Exactly, Dougie! In fact, I read somewhere that this offer for the free upgrade of pirated copies would only be available in China.

 

[GimboV]

I'm part Chinese do I get it free LOL! NO way in heck should it be free to pirates. If it is I'll install my Win 8 copy everywhere and EVERYONE will have Win 10 free. See how that doesn't work. Now if they are going subscription I could understand why it would be free to pirates... Now you are locked into a subscription Ha take that John Bonny!