Computers Windows 10 can disable pirated games and illegal hardware

Mr. Laz · 08-16-2015, 07:41 PM

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/4...-hardware.aspx

Microsoft can disable your pirated games and illegal hardware
Atomic

Friday 14 August 2015 | Comment Now
Microsoft can disable your pirated games and illegal hardware
Updated EULA terms let Microsoft invade your Windows 10 computer in search of counterfeit software.

Microsoft's updated European Licence Agreement terms and conditions let it disable any counterfeit software or hardware and, if you're running a Windows 10 computer, you've just agreed to them.

Section 7b – or “Updates to the Services or Software, and Changes to These Terms” – of Microsoft's Services EULA stipulates that it “may automatically check your version of the software and download software update or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorised hardware peripheral devices.”

This means that, if you use Windows 10, a Windows phone, or any of Microsoft's other services, Redmond can disable any games you've pirated or devices you've unlawfully hacked.

While it's incredibly clear what Microsoft means by “counterfeit games”, the wording “unauthorised hardware peripheral devices” is a little hazy. Does this mean Microsoft can now block uncertified PC or illegally-modified Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers? Furthermore, Microsoft's EULA doesn't state if it will also disable other counterfeit software, such as cracked versions of Office or Adobe Photoshop, or if it only cares about pirated games.

I've reached out to Microsoft for a comment about these unanswered questions and will update you when more information becomes available.

Video game piracy, or “counterfeit games” as Microsoft puts it, has been a big issue in PC gaming for a long time. Many developers have sought to circumvent it by hard-coding impossible odds into their games, which are only solved by having a purchased activation code on your computer. The same issue is also now becoming prevalent on Android and jailbroken iOS devices. However, under Microsoft's new EULA, Windows 10 Mobile would be able to combat any pirated software a user loads onto their phone – potentially making it an attractive prospect for indie developers scared of having their work stolen.

Interestingly, Microsoft killed off its incredibly unpopular, DRM-heavy, Windows Live Games in Windows 10, and opted to support Steam instead. But, with these new terms and conditions, Microsoft has practically baked DRM into the core of Windows 10.

This article originally appeared at alphr.com

GloucesterChief · 08-16-2015, 11:04 PM

I am sure hackers are drooling over finding the backdoor MS built in to do this.

lawrenceRaider · 08-17-2015, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GloucesterChief

I am sure hackers are drooling over finding the backdoor MS built in to do this.

No kidding. I "upgraded" the laptop we do nothing but check email/etc on, but I'm not going to do my desktop at this point. Though I would say that the laptop running Windows 10 runs smoother at this point than it did with Windows 7. Edge seems like a massive upgrade over IE, though I mostly let Google steal everything by using Chrome.

Psyko Tek · 08-16-2015, 11:28 PM

should be done by tomorrow?

Fish · 08-17-2015, 09:57 AM

This is mostly fear mongering nonsense. The only thing Microsoft could possibly legally remove is stuff that requires the Microsoft App Store to run. Which is not a lot, and it isn't even games that are in demand at all. It's not legal for them to uninstall anything other than Microsoft stuff. Likewise with the hardware aspect. They cannot touch something like a jailbroken iPhone or rooted Android device. They simply can't. Their EULA doesn't/can't cover stuff like that.

Quote:

Does this mean Microsoft can now block uncertified PC or illegally-modified Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers? Furthermore, Microsoft's EULA doesn't state if it will also disable other counterfeit software, such as cracked versions of Office or Adobe Photoshop, or if it only cares about pirated games.

The answer to all these questions is emphatically no. It's not possible at all.

Fish · 08-17-2015, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/4...-hardware.aspx

Microsoft can disable your pirated games and illegal hardware
Atomic

Friday 14 August 2015 | Comment Now
Microsoft can disable your pirated games and illegal hardware
Updated EULA terms let Microsoft invade your Windows 10 computer in search of counterfeit software.

Microsoft's updated European Licence Agreement terms and conditions let it disable any counterfeit software or hardware and, if you're running a Windows 10 computer, you've just agreed to them.

And what's with this typo? Where did that come from? European Licence(sic) Agreement? European huh?

**loochy** · 08-17-2015, 11:29 AM

I have pirated versions of all kinds of stuff, including Microsoft products. Hell, my WINDOWS is prated. Nothing has been disabled.

**srvy** · 08-17-2015, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loochy

I have pirated versions of all kinds of stuff, including Microsoft products. Hell, my WINDOWS is prated. Nothing has been disabled.

How did you get win 10 to install free over a pirated copy of win 7 or whatever.

Hell I have a copy or Trimble Geomatics Office for GPS baseline processing that I have kept an old copy of XP on and never bothered to upgrade for fear some the features would not work. Its been confirmed to me it will run fine on win 10. But of course xp was not included on the free update. Its not a big deal to me but if could install free the win 10 id give it a go if not xp does what i need. Its part of my Land Surveying moonlighting package

**loochy** · 08-17-2015, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srvy

How did you get win 10 to install free over a pirated copy of win 7 or whatever.

Hell I have a copy or Trimble Geomatics Office for GPS baseline processing that I have kept an old copy of XP on and never bothered to upgrade for fear some the features would not work. Its been confirmed to me it will run fine on win 10. But of course xp was not included on the free update. Its not a big deal to me but if could install free the win 10 id give it a go if not xp does what i need. Its part of my Land Surveying moonlighting package

I used a rearm/reset type hack that reset the available trial period in which a valid product key wasn't required. The upgrade installed over it just fine. I was a bit surprised that it didn't deny me.

Fish · 08-17-2015, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srvy

How did you get win 10 to install free over a pirated copy of win 7 or whatever.

Hell I have a copy or Trimble Geomatics Office for GPS baseline processing that I have kept an old copy of XP on and never bothered to upgrade for fear some the features would not work. Its been confirmed to me it will run fine on win 10. But of course xp was not included on the free update. Its not a big deal to me but if could install free the win 10 id give it a go if not xp does what i need. Its part of my Land Surveying moonlighting package

Microsoft doesn't care if your current Win7 is pirated or not. You're still entitled to a free upgrade. They've already stated that. You can install Win10 regardless of your current Win7 status. But if you are using a pirated version, and the key you used doesn't show as genuine, then Win10 will be put into a trial mode for 30 days.

But that really doesn't matter in the long run, as once Win10 is installed, trial mode or not, you can simply use Microsoft Toolkit 2.5.3 to then activate Windows again and life goes on. They want people to upgrade, and they will overlook a lot as long as you continue to run Windows OS.

unlurking · 08-17-2015, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish

...They want people to upgrade, and they will overlook a lot as long as you continue to run Windows OS.

...and... You're willing to overlook an OS that by default allows Microsoft to upload all of your private documents and emails to their cloud services, be assigned a unique advertising key, and who knows what else.

I have not installed the upgrade based on the new eula and privacy concerns. Hoping there is enough backlash to change it, but not counting on it. I'm just going off the uproar right now as I've got too much work / RL going on right now to mess with it. 6 months from now I'll look again.

Fish · 08-17-2015, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unlurking

...and... You're willing to overlook an OS that by default allows Microsoft to upload all of your private documents and emails to their cloud services, be assigned a unique advertising key, and who knows what else.

I have not installed the upgrade based on the new eula and privacy concerns. Hoping there is enough backlash to change it, but not counting on it. I'm just going off the uproar right now as I've got too much work / RL going on right now to mess with it. 6 months from now I'll look again.

Again, the overwhelming majority of the stuff you're describing is completely overblown/misinterpreted. Some of that is flat wrong and was only applicable to Developer Preview versions. Most of that stuff happens already with current versions of Windows 7/8. If privacy concerns prevent you from using Windows 10, then you probably shouldn't be using any Windows OS or Firefox/Chrome.

**007** · 08-17-2015, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish

Microsoft doesn't care if your current Win7 is pirated or not. You're still entitled to a free upgrade. They've already stated that. You can install Win10 regardless of your current Win7 status. But if you are using a pirated version, and the key you used doesn't show as genuine, then Win10 will be put into a trial mode for 30 days.

But that really doesn't matter in the long run, as once Win10 is installed, trial mode or not, you can simply use Microsoft Toolkit 2.5.3 to then activate Windows again and life goes on. They want people to upgrade, and they will overlook a lot as long as you continue to run Windows OS.

I was trying to upgrade my downstairs pc but I can't get any download links on it at all. How did you get it installed on a non genuine?

also, wouldn't using that toolkit just get patched my MS anyway? Last I heard they were not allowing hacked versions to be upgraded. Seems like somebody posted that article in the windows 10 thread.

I did find this...

http://www.askvg.com/faq-upgrading-t...nuine-windows/

When Microsoft announced about this free upgrade offer, the company also indicated that pirated or non-genuine Windows users will also be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. This news came as a surprise and caused lots of confusion between people as they were unable to understand why should a pirated Windows user be allowed to upgrade to latest Windows version for free?

Now to clear all doubts, Microsoft has officially provided some details about pirated/non-genuine Windows and Windows 10 upgrade offer.
For your convenience, we are providing the official information in form of a frequently asked questions (FAQ) list which will help you in understanding the whole idea easily. We'll try to cover all possible questions and doubts in this article.

So without wasting time lets start the FAQ list:

Q.1. Is it true that pirated or non-genuine Windows versions also get free upgrade to Windows 10?
Ans. Yes. Its true. If you are using a pirated Windows versions (Windows 7/8/8.1), you'll get a prompt or notification to upgrade to Windows 10 when its released to public.

Q.2. So does that mean I'll be able to use Windows 10 forever like a genuine Windows user?
Ans. No. Pirated Windows will get free upgrade to Windows 10 but they'll not be able to activate Windows 10 using their pirated product key or license. They'll still need a genuine Windows 10 license to activate their Windows.

Q.3. So what will happen when pirated Windows users are unable to activate their Windows 10 versions?
Ans. It'll work like a trial version of Windows 10. You'll get a limited period of time e.g. 30 days to use Windows 10 and to activate it. If you don't activate Windows 10 within that grace period, you'll be unable to use it further and you'll not be able to log into Windows 10.

Also a watermark on Desktop will become visible telling you that you are using a pirated Windows version and you should make it genuine by activating it using a genuine license key. The exact text of watermark is not known yet but it might be similar to following:

This copy of Windows is not genuine.
You may be a victim of software counterfeiting. This copy of Windows did not pass genuine Windows validation.

Although it'll not be very hard to remove that watermark from Desktop. People always modify system files using Resource Hacker to get rid of such kind of watermarks.

Q.4. Will there any offer for pirated Windows users to buy Windows 10 genuine license?
Ans. Yes. Microsoft will provide attractive offers to pirated Windows victims so that they can buy a genuine license of Windows 10.
So the bottom line is that pirated or non-genuine Windows users will get the offer to upgrade to Windows 10 but they'll not be able to use it for free. They'll need to activate Windows 10 using a genuine license key, thus they'll need to purchase a genuine copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft.

Fish · 08-17-2015, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

I was trying to upgrade my downstairs pc but I can't get any download links on it at all. How did you get it installed on a non genuine?

also, wouldn't using that toolkit just get patched my MS anyway? Last I heard they were not allowing hacked versions to be upgraded. Seems like somebody posted that article in the windows 10 thread.

I did find this...

It's the same exact process regardless of whether your current Windows install is genuine or not. The determining factor to having the Win10 upgrade icon in your system tray is whether you're up to date on MS updates or not.

And if you don't want to do all the Windows update crap to get up to date to make the upgrade icon appear, you can always go the manual route. Follow these instructions, and it will tell you how to manually upgrade, and even do a clean install if you want: http://fossbytes.com/how-to-install-...indows-update/

NOTE: If you do a clean install, it will ask you for a license number, or give you the option for trial mode. If you don't have a license key, you can choose trial mode and then activate it using an activator tool like the one I linked above.

And no, MS will not patch that feature, as it's a necessary feature for software developers and such.

**007** · 08-25-2015, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish

Microsoft doesn't care if your current Win7 is pirated or not. You're still entitled to a free upgrade. They've already stated that. You can install Win10 regardless of your current Win7 status. But if you are using a pirated version, and the key you used doesn't show as genuine, then Win10 will be put into a trial mode for 30 days.

But that really doesn't matter in the long run, as once Win10 is installed, trial mode or not, you can simply use Microsoft Toolkit 2.5.3 to then activate Windows again and life goes on. They want people to upgrade, and they will overlook a lot as long as you continue to run Windows OS.

can you lead me to a link that isn't laced with adware on this toolkit 2.5.3?

Every link I find has a shit ton of this crap.

08-16-2015, 07:41 PM	Topic Starter
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Windows 10 can disable pirated games and illegal hardware http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/4...-hardware.aspx Microsoft can disable your pirated games and illegal hardware Atomic Friday 14 August 2015 \| Comment Now Microsoft can disable your pirated games and illegal hardware Updated EULA terms let Microsoft invade your Windows 10 computer in search of counterfeit software. Microsoft's updated European Licence Agreement terms and conditions let it disable any counterfeit software or hardware and, if you're running a Windows 10 computer, you've just agreed to them. Section 7b – or “Updates to the Services or Software, and Changes to These Terms” – of Microsoft's Services EULA stipulates that it “may automatically check your version of the software and download software update or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorised hardware peripheral devices.” This means that, if you use Windows 10, a Windows phone, or any of Microsoft's other services, Redmond can disable any games you've pirated or devices you've unlawfully hacked. While it's incredibly clear what Microsoft means by “counterfeit games”, the wording “unauthorised hardware peripheral devices” is a little hazy. Does this mean Microsoft can now block uncertified PC or illegally-modified Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers? Furthermore, Microsoft's EULA doesn't state if it will also disable other counterfeit software, such as cracked versions of Office or Adobe Photoshop, or if it only cares about pirated games. I've reached out to Microsoft for a comment about these unanswered questions and will update you when more information becomes available. Video game piracy, or “counterfeit games” as Microsoft puts it, has been a big issue in PC gaming for a long time. Many developers have sought to circumvent it by hard-coding impossible odds into their games, which are only solved by having a purchased activation code on your computer. The same issue is also now becoming prevalent on Android and jailbroken iOS devices. However, under Microsoft's new EULA, Windows 10 Mobile would be able to combat any pirated software a user loads onto their phone – potentially making it an attractive prospect for indie developers scared of having their work stolen. Interestingly, Microsoft killed off its incredibly unpopular, DRM-heavy, Windows Live Games in Windows 10, and opted to support Steam instead. But, with these new terms and conditions, Microsoft has practically baked DRM into the core of Windows 10. This article originally appeared at alphr.com
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08-16-2015, 11:04 PM	#2
GloucesterChief MVP Join Date: Jan 2013 Casino cash: $1666454	I am sure hackers are drooling over finding the backdoor MS built in to do this.
Posts: 12,697

08-16-2015, 11:28 PM	#4
Psyko Tek special teams Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mesa AZ Casino cash: $10015665	should be done by tomorrow? __________________ Psyko Tek The keyboard has been drinking,
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08-17-2015, 11:29 AM	#7
loochy Hey Loochy, I'm hooome! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PooPooKaKaPeePeeShire Casino cash: $2030752	I have pirated versions of all kinds of stuff, including Microsoft products. Hell, my WINDOWS is prated. Nothing has been disabled. __________________ Hey Loochy, I'm hoooome!
Posts: 40,534