Reuters today reports that any version — pirated or not — of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 will be able to upgrade to Windows 10.
“We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10,” said Terry Myerson, head of Microsoft’s operating systems division, said.
Microsoft later clarified by stating that non-genuine copies of the OS will be upgraded, but will remain just that: non-genuine.
“The consumer free upgrade offer for Windows 10 applies to qualified new and existing devices running Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1. Some editions are excluded from the consumer free upgrade — including Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to other Windows 10 enterprise offerings,” a Microsoft representative said.
“We have always been committed to ensuring that customers have the best Windows experience possible. With Windows 10, although non-Genuine PCs may be able to upgrade to Windows 10, the upgrade will not change the genuine state of the license. Non-Genuine Windows is not published by Microsoft. It is not properly licensed, or supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. If a device was considered non-genuine or mislicensed prior to the upgrade, that device will continue to be considered non-genuine or mislicensed after the upgrade. According to industry experts, use of pirated software, including Non-Genuine Windows, results in a higher risk of malware, fraud (identity theft, credit card theft, etc), public exposure of your personal information, and a higher risk for poor performance or feature malfunctions.”
Microsoft announced that Windows 10 will be released this winter.
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