"Microsoft has changed the terms of its EULA (End User License Agreement) for Windows 10 to allow it to sniff around and disable illegally obtained software and indeed hardware.

That means if you have pirated games or applications on your PC, or you've hooked up what Microsoft describes as "unauthorised hardware peripheral devices", the firm can block you from using those on your Windows 10 computer."

Source

What this means is that you wont even be able to pirate things just to check them out and see how (and do) they work and are they worth buying. With the steam refunds I guess that's not as big of a deal now for majority of games and some software, but on the other hand you can't refund a lot because if you do you get blocked from asking for refunds. Also there are a lot of software that are not and will probably never be on steam.

I also wonder what's the deal with them blacklisting and blocking certain hardware.

Also what happens if you pirate Windows 10? Does its feelings get hurt when it finds out it's just a pirated copy and it kills itself?

EDIT: THIS ONLY APPLIES TO GAMES AND SOFTWARE IN WINDOWS STORE!

"Microsoft can disable “counterfeit games” and “unauthorized hardware peripheral devices” according to the recently updated Microsoft Services Agreement. The agreement, which pertains to the Windows store, suggests they can detect pirated first-party XBox and Windows games you have installed. It’s not clear what “unauthorized hardware peripheral devices” refers to, but “counterfeit games” means any first-party Microsoft published game."

Source

9 years ago*

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What do you think about this?

View Results
I will never use Windows 10 because of this and all the spying nonsense.
I don't care. I don't pirate absolutely anything so I should be fine.
Don't mess with the potato pirate or you dun goofed.

I guess it's a good thing I'm staying as far away as I can from Win 10 for at least another few years D:.

9 years ago
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In few years there will probably be newer versions of windows. I wonder how far is nazisoft going to take this spying bullshit and their need to have control over what their customers do.

I wonder will pirates create hacks that disable all that crap on windows 10. I wouldn't be surprised if they do.

9 years ago
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Of course. If its been made, it can be un-made!

9 years ago
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I know there are customized versions of Windows floating around the net, won't be long until we see the same for Windows 10 I'd say.

9 years ago
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i believe that with the progress of games being ported to linux as well as steam OS being relevant, the next (gamer) OS could not be an windows, if you go to r/pcmasterace you will see a lot of people complaining about that and studios being forced to release games to linux due to that, leading to a migration to linux/steamOS

9 years ago
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I could see this happening finally based on the latest changes to windows... Not prior to this... but now... Yes, it's something that could start a trend.

9 years ago
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Of course they will create. Its probably in progress while we discuss.

9 years ago
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With all the things I've heard about Windows 10 since it was released, I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out it sniffs your panties as well.

9 years ago
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A friend of mine commented on this saying that soon they'll add a feature that will use webcam to check if you're appropriately dressed to use windows.

9 years ago
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If we invent this technology, Japan will create a social network dedicated to panties sniffing, I guarantee it.

9 years ago
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My problem with the whole thing is that they're VERY vague about what could be considered as pirated or unauthorized hardware. i.e. modded games or drm free games, as well as peripherals that Windows doesn't immediately recognize (generic mice or mice you want to use without the driver, etc).

The article isn't very clear about all that. Obviously, I couldn't care less about the piracy aspect (as my Steam account will attest lmao), but I also don't like the idea of Windows snooping down on everything I install/use on my PC. What next? Microsoft decides they don't want consumers using torrent apps and disable those? (Keep in mind, torrents CAN be used to legally download various things). And then what about other apps that MS doesn't want you using? Or apps that infringe upon sales of their own apps? Who draws the line here?

9 years ago*
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+1, if I download my game from GOG or from piratebay, it will be the exact same file package...

9 years ago
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This is the issue I have with intrusive features that cut access to stuff. I've definitely suffered from copy protection issues in the past despite having the original disks / activations / similar. When you suffer from a false detection and your software won't run, you have no recourse to fix the problem until whoever provides the software fixes the problem. To shift that to the operating system ... well, all I can say is that if I ever experience a false positive introduced by my OS, it will be the last day I run that OS.

9 years ago
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The problem with this is who decides which version is allowed? Maybe you run some old programes for whatever reason and MS or the software company decides this shouildn't work anymore. What about patent disputes? Suddenly MS stops software from working because some firms are arguing about who owns the rights? Remember what happened to GTAs music for because the licenses ran out? With all the spying of the user going on in Win10 I doubt I'll install Win10 for a long time.

9 years ago
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Man that's unfair
What about those who have money and can't buy online !

9 years ago
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Or for that matter, those who own a a digital license for something and therefore have the legal right to download a backup copy and use it.

9 years ago
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Looks like they are only scanning "Xbox and Windows Games published by Microsoft, and Xbox Live." This is obviously related to them having the xbox one functionality on windows 10. They don't even list the windows store. The press is blowing it out of proportion, but I'm still going to stay on 8.1 for a while though.

9 years ago
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Windows 10 will sniff out and block pirated games/software and unauthorised hardware

that's just not true. if you want to critisise windows 10, that's fine. but you cannot transform a possibility into a fact, just for the sake of bashing windows 10.

9 years ago
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+1, this is misinformation

9 years ago
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THANK YOU.

9 years ago
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Come on. They're not giving themselves the permission to do it and then not doing it. At the very least, you have to assume they will. Win 10 is just far too intrusive, and it's finally enough to make me be done with Microsoft; I don't care how painful it'll be.

9 years ago
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well, actually companies give themselves permission to do horrible things in their EULAs all the time. this is nothing new. doesn't mean they actually do that. that is what i said. to claim windows 10 is or will be blocking pirated games etc. is just not true. the only truth we know so far is they mention the possibility in their EULA. nothing more.

and btw, it has been mentioned several times in this thread that this most likely refers to xbox one software and services. which would make a lot more sense. they mention their services, games and unauthorized hardware. they don't mention other software anywhere. isn't that strange? a pc is only partly a gaming machine. it is used to run much more than that. every pc has some third party software on it. and that third party software would be more likely to receive updates via windows update (because games usually are bound to clients like steam these days and get updates through those clients). but they mention only their own services, games and unauthorized hardware. this sounds pretty much like everything you can find on a xbox (unauthorized hardware perhaps being a hacked console).

so yeah, while we have to be suspicious about this paragraph, i personally am not worried that much. microsoft never had a big problem with pirated software. they don't really do a lot against pirated windows copies, and a lot of their other software is easily piratable (is that even a word? ^^). i think the theory that this paragraph refers to xbox one makes a whole lot more sense. and even if they decide to go big on the anti-piracy-stuff now, we should know that they do it before claiming so.

9 years ago
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i agree with you. Microsoft never cared about pirated copies much, windows and office are easier to pirate then most games.

9 years ago
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Intrusive? Have you ever read what did you accept regarding your personal information when you signed up for an Apple or Google product? Heck, maybe we can throw facebook on top. Microsoft is just trying to catch up now to those.

9 years ago
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Of course I have - I'm the one in a thousand that reads every eula and t&c. Which is why I don't use facebook, or google, and why I rooted my phone. I do realise I'm a bit odd for actually caring about my privacy and not wanting to be marketing profiled though. MS used to be good on these things. The past tense being the important part.

9 years ago*
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insert thank you gif here

9 years ago
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+1 @ KillingArts

9 years ago
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http://pastebin.com/wqqb7gxc : this block telemetry and other stuff. Not all have been found but that's a start.

9 years ago
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That’s if Microsoft actually exercises the power, of course. Just because it’s in the EULA doesn’t necessarily mean it will be enforced (yet).

They can do it, definitely, but it would cost them good money to implement and maintain such a system.
My thought is: if they reckon they can generate enough revenue from it (e.g. third party companies paying MS money to intercept and block pirate copies of their software), then they probably will.

As for "unauthorised hardware", I think they are referring to hacked mobile phones and tablets mostly. Which is rubbish, because if I want to change the OS of my phone and install Linux on it, then I should be able to without my PC going "tut-tut" on me.

9 years ago*
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You people took this out of context...

It says that it is able to install updates provided by third-party companies, and it is telling you that these updates may invalidate pirated games and stuff.

It is not saying Microsoft is gonna delete your pirated games, it is saying that updates for these games may break the crack/keygen/dll/etc. And it is up to the developers, Microsoft simply distributes the updates.

9 years ago
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True, but point 7b of the EULA is vague enough to also mean that Microsoft can enforce an update to Windows 10 that will just prevent you from running any software which is recognised as counterfeit.

9 years ago
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The thing is, such an update is impossible on Win32 apps. Hell, they can't even tell legal Office software from cracked.

Also, you have to keep this in mind: Windows 10 is also going to be introduced on the Xbox One console. Who says that part isn't referring to its integration with the XOne?

9 years ago
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Also, you have to keep this in mind: Windows 10 is also going to be introduced on the Xbox One console. Who says that part isn't referring to its integration with the XOne?

Ah, I didn't even think about that. And it runs on mobile phones too. Are they reserving the right to brick your device/console if they think you have hacked it ("unauthorised hardware")?

9 years ago
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Yeah, I think they will enforce it with the Xbox One. After all, it is a closed system, with it being a console and stuff.

Not so sure when it comes phones though. After all, there are a lot of phone accessories like gamepads and stuff, and I don't think it would be wise to start banning hardware similar to those when most of these may not have proper authorization from the manufacturer to begin with.

And doing it with PC would be insane and impossible with the amount of hardware and software that exists.

9 years ago
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would this effect older software/games without DC keys ect and 3rd party software not support directly by Microshaft? Because it's looking and more likely i'll be staying with windows 7 all this vague nonsense about collecting data, blocking applications and or hardware.

How will windows 10 know if hard ware is not legitimate? can't it tell if you paid less then normal for PC components? Will it tell me I can't use my own AV because it wants me to buy a microshaft product rather then a 3rd party one?

9 years ago
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It says that it is able to install updates provided by third-party companies, and it is telling you that these updates may invalidate pirated games and stuff.

It is not saying Microsoft is gonna delete your pirated games, it is saying that updates for these games may break the crack/keygen/dll/etc. And it is up to the developers, Microsoft simply distributes the updates.

It is totally up to the games' developers and manufacturers to release these crack-breaking updates, not Microsoft.

9 years ago
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Note that it doesn't mention third parties anywhere in point 7. It can just be a Window Update.

9 years ago
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Windows Update can and has provided updates for hardware from third-parties, as well as some Win32 software; that's what I meant.

9 years ago
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You are right.
I just wanted to point out that it's very vague and it could apply to many things, including Microsoft's own software as well as thirt-parties, because it's not specified.

9 years ago
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I have no pirated software, but I have games ect from 10-15 years ago and other software I use like free ware versions of programs how would Windows 10 know it's freeware and not pirated?

9 years ago
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Windows can't know they are pirated to begin with, the terms of service are refering to Windows 10 when it comes to Xbox or to third-party companies releasing crack-breaking updates through Windows Update.

9 years ago
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By the way, this is the original article, and this is the "offending" EULA.

9 years ago
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i still use my windows 7 xD

9 years ago
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sigh... OP do some research first and stop misinforming people, not only this is old but it applies on for Windows Games published by Microsoft and Xbox Live.

9 years ago
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That's another reason to keep using Linux. Windows should only be used for gaming after all

9 years ago
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It's probably related to the fact that Xbox one will receive a win 10 update as well. I think most of this stuff applies to the console.

9 years ago
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Even more troubling is that you no longer have any control over what updates are downloaded and installed on it - that's a no-go right off the bat for me. Just think about it, one bad update by them could hose your entire machine before you even knew what happened, and they are notorious for putting out problematic updates too.

Anyhow I plan on using Win7 for at least another decade. Best OS ever. And I have full control, not them, and never them.

9 years ago
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If you have Windows 10 Pro (if you upgrade from Windows 8.1 Pro or the correct Windows 7 version) you can choose to ignore updates.

Obligatory updates are only for Windows 10 Home.

9 years ago
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They are gonna force it on all users eventually, mark my words. This is just to get the more advanced users on-board first.

9 years ago
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Auto-updates already causing problems (not surprisingly)...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/07/25/windows-10-automatic-update-problems/

9 years ago
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Well that's me staying on win 7 then as it's home premium version and i like to control what updates i use.

9 years ago
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I like Windows 10, it's fast and has a great UI but yeah this amount of sniffing around is a bit sketchy even for me. I like to keep my privacy. As far as the deleting pirated stuff thing goes, well OP was misinformed, because this can only applied to stuff that was published by Xbox or Windows games. Sauce

9 years ago
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Staying Windows 8.1. Fuck Windows 10. Thank god i didn't accept they Beta invitation and free upgrade.

9 years ago
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man, just read the thread. even the OP was edited...

and thank god you didn't accept the free upgrade? what? ^^ you can still accept it. all you didn't accept was the reservation. sorry, doesn't seem like you really know what's going on. ;)

9 years ago
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Before the official release there where some selected to join the beta. Even some of my cousins has join in the beta.

9 years ago
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Why is everyone is so retarded, that blocking and "unauthorised hardware" thing IS JUST FOR XBOXONE (did you guys forgot that will get win10 too?)

9 years ago
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They said the same for Windows 7 at the time if I remember correctly.

9 years ago
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if i was cynical... which im pretty sure i am... perhaps microsoft will start charging fees to companies that make peripherals for windows pc... "hey there logitech... my.. thats a wonderful mouse youve developed there... wouldnt it be a shame if it didnt work on windows 10..." -coughs, holds out palm and wiggles fingers

9 years ago
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then logitech would just sue them and win easily. ^^

9 years ago
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this sounds like those articles redacted to make people hate something...

9 years ago
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Either it's made on purpose in which case it would be propaganda or it was just a misunderstanding.

Considering what Microsoft has been doing lately I'm not sure what to believe anymore.

9 years ago
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I think an entirely objective list of what Windows 10 does would make most sane people hate it...

9 years ago
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no one will spy you if you have windows 10 enterprise :)

9 years ago
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Not quite. They will just spy on you less.... e.g. you still can't prevent them from installing updates, just delay them with the enterprise edition.

9 years ago
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i lol´d, pirating things ("just to test them" xD) was even no option before w10 :D. I dont wanna say this eula is ok but maybe is this a change based on things like that. We will see what happens in next time, i stay on my W7 like before

9 years ago
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A decent amount of people download the cracked versions of software/games to test them out and see how they run and are they really as good as the developers claim them to be.

I sometimes test certain games before deciding on whether or not should I buy them.

9 years ago
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That's what demos, previews, reviews, gameplay videos, etc etc... are for.

9 years ago
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Majority of games don't have demos.

Previews and reviews are done by people and people have preferences and biases. I love decent amount of games that didn't get good reviews, on the other hand there are a ton of games that got good reviews and scores but I personally find them to be complete garbage.

Not to mention there are some games that look fun when you watch videos but don't feel as fun when you actually play them yourself. There are also games that don't look so fun when watching videos but end up being a lot of fun when you play them.

So the best way to see is something good or not is to try it yourself.

9 years ago
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Right.

9 years ago
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Look, I know it's not perfect, but it doesn't have to be. What you're doing is like going into a restaurant, ordering food and saying "I'll only pay you if I actually like it."

That may have worked before steam refunds but now there's just no way - there are lots of ways you can check out the product before you buy it(And I would say tbh that checking out reviews and asking around for what to buy is half of the fun and part of the experience!), if you think you're still not sure, you can either just stay away from it or take a chance and buy it anyway and if it turns out to be horrible or broken, get a refund. If you play a game for more than 2 hours, I dare say you're not entitled to anything anymore - you've done more than just try it, you've actually played it. That's like going to a restaurants, ordering food and saying "I'll only pay you if I actually like it.", eating everything and then telling the chef "your cooking sucks, you ain't getting my money!".

9 years ago
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Dev studio's don't make demo's any more or they are a rare thing.

9 years ago
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Demos are a lost art. Even consoles don't get many any more. I think I could count the games in my Steam library that have demos on one hand.

9 years ago
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You mean pirates still try and use that excuse lol.

You should not have the right to test something like this imo,you do not get the same right with movies but yet people still buy and rent them,If you do not like them,that is the chance you take,you move on buy a different movie.

This is the problem with a lot people these days they want there cake and eat it to,they want there whole life to be risk free trial

9 years ago
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What do you mean excuse? I bought games I ended up liking.

You do have the same "right" with the movies. You can torrent them easily.

People should have the right to test products before buying them. Not everyone is rich and can afford to waste their money on things they wont end up liking and using.

9 years ago
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So you bought some that you pirated lol so that makes it OK.

Now your dragging movies into this because i did not include it,well what next how about porn...since you did not bring that up?

Now are are at the "rich" part,i am far from rich but i still manage to buy games without priacy.I take a chance on some and yes i have bought several games i wish i never did because i ended up not liking them but that just how it goes.

If people would still have used demos they would still be those,but no people pirate instead and then cry there is no way to test the game,and that is why make a demo of something nobody is even going to bother with,when it just as easy to pirate a copy lol.

Look that how life goes you do have the right to ask test everything you want to buy,but but is not a right for them to allow you to do so that is up to them,what you have the right to do is not buy the product if they do not give you a way to test it before you buy it.Letting someone see and test a product is up the person/persons selling the product.

Lots of things you buy you can have no clue how to work because you have no way of testing them,but you do not steal them so you can do you?Many thing i bought from Wal-mart without being able to test it.

9 years ago
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