Microsoft can disable pirated games on Windows 10

[sincity]

Microsoft has just made it even harder to use pirated games and unauthorized hardware in conjunction with Windows 10.

A clause in the services agreement, Section 7b to be precise, states that Windows 10 users have to allow Microsoft to automatically check for counterfeited software, however, it falls short of proposing any punishment for breaking the rules, according to Alphr.

"We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorised hardware peripheral devices," reads the agreement.

It means Microsoft can automatically detect when counterfeit versions of Office, Adobe Creative Suite and others are being used before disabling them. It would also seem that hacked hardware can also be blocked by Windows 10.

Get rid of pirate games now!

The agreement covers various different versions of Windows 10 including those used on PCs, smartphones, the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Therefore, now is the time to start hiding your pirate games and software before Microsoft takes them away!

Prospective Windows 10 users can, of course, upgrade to the new OS on any qualifying machine even if it once had a pirated version of Windows 7 or Windows 8 on it although you do have to pay for the privilege.

• Windows 10 Review

[Night Hunter]

 Although Microsoft is yet to provide official clarification on the matter, reports have suggested the EULA cited below pertains to Microsoft services, as opposed to the Windows 10 software itself.

 

This means the changes made to the license agreement were intended to protect against illicitly obtained Xbox Live and Windows Store content, not all pirated content on a PC.

 

GameSpot has asked Microsoft for a statement clarifying the policy and will update this story when it has been issued.

 

Microsoft has updated its Windows 10 end user license agreement, revealing the latest version of its operating system is capable of identifying whether counterfeit software or unauthorised hardware is running, and disable it.

 

As brought to light by Alphr, section 7B of the EULA explains Microsoft's ability to immobilise pirated software and hardware.

"We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorised hardware peripheral devices," the notice read.

 

In effect, this means illegally acquired games running on PCs, Windows phones, and tablets can be disabled. Although it is not clear what is meant by "unauthorised hardware peripheral devices," controllers that have been modified to provide unfair advantages in games are the most probable target of this clause.

 

Despite the advent of services such as Steam, which employ DRM to protect content, piracy has continued to be a key feature of PC gaming, with software often shared through torrent sites.

 

Windows 10 is being positioned as a key part of Microsoft's video game business.

 

In January 2015, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said Windows 10 could be "best operating system [Microsoft has] ever created for gamers on PC.

 

Among Windows 10's gaming oriented features is the ability to stream Xbox One games to the PC via the Xbox Gaming application. Additionally, Microsoft's has announced a number of games for PC including Fable Legends, which supports cross-play with Xbox One, and Halo Wars 2.

 

Source http://www.gamespot.com/

 

[Krayzie]

Topics merged. Please pay attention to already posted topics before posting another.