Microsoft Still Not Willing to Offer Windows 10 for Free to Pirates

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  1. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #10

    Cbarnhorst said:
    The issue for me with non-genuine Windows is the increased danger of spreading malware and that can affect users and providers. For security reasons I favor giveaways to those who were scammed into a non-genuine copy. The pirates know what they are getting into so I don't feel they should benefit from any giveaways.
    Doesn't your last sentence contradict your first? Or are people who were scammed somehow more likely to spread malware than those who knowingly pirate?

    Personally I don't care what other people do, it isn't my place to judge and I honestly don't care if it doesn't affect me. If however giving everyone free Windows would reduce my risk I'd be all for it.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 22,740
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #11

    halasz said:
    Doesn't your last sentence contradict your first? Or are people who were scammed somehow more likely to spread malware than those who knowingly pirate?

    Personally I don't care what other people do, it isn't my place to judge and I honestly don't care if it doesn't affect me. If however giving everyone free Windows would reduce my risk I'd be all for it.
    So you approve of theft? Pirates should never be rewarded for theft. Period. I'm just surprised that you can take such a blaze stance on this issue.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3,506
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit 21H1 (May 2021 build 19043.1083)
       #12

    Microsoft had released in the past special licenses (called Go Genuine) for those that had pirated copy of Windows XP Professional. One used it to change the pirated product key into a legitimate product key and then activate Windows legally. These were usually bought from companies and small offices that wouldn't like to risk a fine when checked. Very few home users would buy the license. Of course is was cheaper than buying a normal Windows XP Professional license to attract users. I think they could do the same with Windows 10. Offer a "Go Genuine" Windows 10 key at a discount. Anyone honest wanting to be legitimate would buy the key. Giving it for free would encourage most home users (who would not normally be checked) into pirating Windows 7 or 8 and then getting Windows 10 for free.
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  4. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #13

    Don't most home PCs come with Windows installed anyway?
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  5. Posts : 22,740
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #14

    halasz said:
    Don't most home PCs come with Windows installed anyway?
    They do, and what does this have to do with pirates??
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  6. Posts : 3,506
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit 21H1 (May 2021 build 19043.1083)
       #15

    halasz said:
    Don't most home PCs come with Windows installed anyway?
    For OEM computers and notebooks yes. But if you build your own you can choose to get it with Linux or without OS to get it cheaper. Then most will install a pirated copy of Windows. Also most will try to upgrade the Home version to Ultimate or the 8.1 to 8.1 Pro to get the "full package".
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  7. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #16

    BunnyJ said:
    They do, and what does this have to do with pirates??
    Well the point is if most people are legit and if giving proper software to the small number who aren't makes everyone safer then it is for the common good.

    To stick to a moral position that decreases your own security doesn't make sense to me (although your position is at least consistent).

    I was annoyed when I bought an anytime upgrade to 7 Ultimate for €180 about a month before the €15 Windows 8 keys came out but to say people who pirated it instead should keep their dodgy versions putting me at increased risk (if that is true, I don't know) is logically unsound and I'd be cutting off my nose to spite my face.

    Still it is pointless to discuss as MS will do as they wish but if they think the reason that people pirate is due to the complexity of buying a license rather than the cost they must be mad. Even in 7 for the anytime upgrade you only clicked a button and typed in your credit card number - it really wasn't terribly complicated. Anyone who couldn't figure that out would probably have many other difficulties using a computer :)
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  8. Posts : 490
    Windows 10 Pro
       #17

    halasz said:
    Doesn't your last sentence contradict your first? Or are people who were scammed somehow more likely to spread malware than those who knowingly pirate?

    Personally I don't care what other people do, it isn't my place to judge and I honestly don't care if it doesn't affect me. If however giving everyone free Windows would reduce my risk I'd be all for it.
    I don't know if people who are scammed are more likely to get malware or not, but they are more likely to have spent money for the non-genuine Windows whereas pirates never do.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,811
    W7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), LM 19.2 MATE (64 bit), W10 Home 1703 (64 bit), W10 Pro 1703 (64 bit) VM
       #18

    These DRM and Activation schemes only affect legitimate users (like WGA, or the Sony Rootkit).
    They have no affect on pirates.

    Pirates are already claiming that they have upgraded their earlier version of Windows to W10.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 198
    Windows10
       #19

    Winuser said:
    Let's face it Windows 10, is more like Android now, with MS's business model changed to make
    data collection the priority, much like Google did. Android is free. That should be the bargain,
    as far as I'm concerned. If you want my data, provide the OS free no questions asked..

    Look, I know how polarizing this question is, and others like it. Microsoft knew who pirated it's systems, but it
    never came after any single individual users. Time to forgive and forget.
      My Computer


 

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