Previously, it was widely believed that Microsoft would offer Windows 10 as a free upgrade to all Windows users, irrespective of whether one owns a genuine or non-genuine Windows. Recently Microsoft has explained that whilst users owning pirated Windows would be allowed to upgrade to Windows 10, their new OSÂ would still show as a pirated version of the software.
In a blog post, Microsoft revealed that the free upgrade offer is only to genuine owners of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. If you own a non-genuine version of Windows, you will still able to upgrade but there will be watermark in your OS and you will not get any updates.
When we can’t verify that Windows is properly installed, licensed, and not tampered with, we create a desktop watermark to notify the user. If you ever encounter this watermark on a new machine, I encourage you to return the device immediately to the retailer from whom you purchased it and request a Genuine Windows device.
While our free offer to upgrade to Windows 10 will not apply to Non-Genuine Windows devices, and as we’ve always done, we will continue to offer Windows 10 to customers running devices in a Non-Genuine state. In addition, in partnership with some of our valued OEM partners, we are planning very attractive Windows 10 upgrade offers for their customers running one of their older devices in a Non-Genuine state.
If you are using a pirated Windows, then the only way you can get a free Windows 10 is by joining the Windows 10 Insider Program and installing Windows 10 Technical Preview. Microsoft has previously stated all Windows 10 Insider users will get a free Windows 10 upgrade once the OS reaches RTM. You can also find list of editions Windows 10 will be available here.
Source: Microsoft
