Windows 10 has been experiencing an enormous adoption rate, thanks to Microsoft’s first whack at making OS launches a service rather than segregated products. It is, however, not without its own set of legal issues – with a lot of users questioning privacy around the OS. Now, pirates are going to have to take a good, hard look at Windows 10, as Microsoft allows the OS to hunt down and disable pirated games.
Spotted as part of the new EULA, Windows 10 might soon have functionality that allows it to automatically source and disable counterfeit software on your machines. The section specifically mentions gaming software in this regard, with unauthorised hardware peripherals also being targeted.
“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,”
Considering Microsoft’s recent push into encompassing its Xbox library of games onto PC, this type of move makes sense. Steam and similar services have been employing DRM measures to prevent pirated games from breeding, but the black market of gaming digital software is still very much a problem that the industry faces. It’s unclear how exactly Microsoft is aiming to tackle this with Windows 10 – or more importantly how they’ll handle issues if legitimate software is incorrectly flagged.
I personally have no issue with more systems to prevent pirates from stealing games, but only if it manages not to infringe on the abilities of honest, paying customers, a facet of DRM that often hasn’t worked out in a positive way in the past.
Last Updated: August 17, 2015
DrKiller
August 17, 2015 at 17:05
My life is over 🙁
Lucynda Ho
August 17, 2015 at 17:10
I feel you, dude,
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:11
Don’t worry modders will probably disable the application that does the scanning to keep your on gaming “legit”… If this site was just so forgiving on me years back when I admitted I had pirated 360 games though…
DrKiller
August 18, 2015 at 09:23
Pirated is such a harsh word… I’ve always considered it as “patched” games 🙂
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:11
Don’t worry modders will probably disable the application that does the scanning to keep your on gaming “legit”… If this site was just so forgiving on me years back when I admitted I had pirated 360 games though…
Mistake Not...
August 17, 2015 at 17:14
“with unauthorised hardware peripherals also being targeted”. Does this mean I won’t be able to use my dualshock 4 and the DS4 tool on my pc? That would be a bit of d**k move.
SargonTheBatpandaOfAkkad
August 17, 2015 at 17:48
Does that also mean you wouldn’t be able to use hardware emulators (like Alcohol or Daemon Tools)? Because they’re actually really useful even if you’re not a dirty unwashed Jack Sparrow. Because DVD rips of my own DVD’s make sure they don’t get scratched to oblivion.
Well perhaps a reason not to get Windows 10, at least. Undue hassle is why I didn’t want to get Windows 8.
SargonTheBatpandaOfAkkad
August 17, 2015 at 17:48
Does that also mean you wouldn’t be able to use hardware emulators (like Alcohol or Daemon Tools)? Because they’re actually really useful even if you’re not a dirty unwashed Jack Sparrow. Because DVD rips of my own DVD’s make sure they don’t get scratched to oblivion.
Well perhaps a reason not to get Windows 10, at least. Undue hassle is why I didn’t want to get Windows 8.
Mistake Not...
August 17, 2015 at 18:29
Yup. Sticking with 7 for now.
The Sten
August 18, 2015 at 09:44
Since Windows 8, you dont have to use Deamon tools or Alchohol to mountdisks or disk images as it has a built in disk mounting ability.
Just right click on the iso and say mount.
SargonTheBatpandaOfAkkad
August 18, 2015 at 11:00
Oh that’s really handy! Didn’t know that. Thanks. 😀
konfab
August 17, 2015 at 17:16
I just like to interject for a moment. What you’re referring to as Windows, is in fact, NSA/Windows, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, NSA plus Windows. Windows is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another expenseive component of a fully functioning Spy system made useful by the NSA core-spyware, reverse shell utilities and vital keylogging components comprising a full botnet as defined by Gen. J. Clapper.
Many computer users run a modified version of the botnet system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of spyware which is widely used today is often called “Windows”, and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the NSA system, developed by the NSA. There really is a Windows, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use.
Windows is the cover: the program in the system that hides the spying resources from the other programs that you run. The cover is an essential part of a botnet, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete botnet. Windows is normally used in combination with the NSA spyware: the whole system is basically botnet with Windows added, or NSA/Windows. All the so-called “Windows” versions are really versions of NSA/Windows.
Mark Treloar
August 17, 2015 at 17:23
Lol, its like you think your information is safe if you don’t use it.
SargonTheBatpandaOfAkkad
August 17, 2015 at 17:47
So… Microsoft is a government organisation?
konfab
August 17, 2015 at 17:49
My post was a modification of a copypasta about GNU/Linux.
SargonTheBatpandaOfAkkad
August 17, 2015 at 17:55
Ah. I just wanted to know why they weren’t registered as a government organisation since they’re spying on the entire world. Cause you know. The entire thing was ridiculous. 🙂
konfab
August 17, 2015 at 17:49
My post was a modification of a copypasta about GNU/Linux.
Lardus-For the Emperor!
August 17, 2015 at 20:09
Question is – will that scanning etc come at a performance hit while I am playing my legitimate games?
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:12
“legitimate games”
Lardus-For the Emperor!
August 18, 2015 at 08:23
Lol, yup. Will keep my “other” games on Windows 7 😛
https://imgflip.com/s/meme/Baby-Insanity-Wolf.jpg
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:12
“legitimate games”
Ranting Raptor
August 18, 2015 at 07:08
So tell me this… How will it differentiate between a pirated game and a DRM free one?
I see so many GOG games being falsely marked as pirated. This can only end in tears for legitimate users 🙁
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:14
I’m wondering this myself.. Do they look at the XML code of certain games, compare DLL algorithms, or what??? Just doesnt seem possible, If they could do that I’ll hate to be thew dude that has to inspect my internet search history as well…
Ranting Raptor
August 18, 2015 at 08:23
Yeah it all stinks of becoming a closed system to me where you will only be able to use DRM’d games. Leaves a sour taste
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:14
I’m wondering this myself.. Do they look at the XML code of certain games, compare DLL algorithms, or what??? Just doesnt seem possible, If they could do that I’ll hate to be thew dude that has to inspect my internet search history as well…
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 18, 2015 at 07:16
Glossing over the obvious, would my gf & I be required to give MS DNA samples to verify the kid’s mine?
Actually I can kinda accept it for games sold through their app store – but anything else, no. Then it’s bullshit.
Also read earlier this morning that games using SafeDisc DRM don’t work on Win 10 because of outdated drivers. So good luck playing your legal copy of GTA III if you wanted too.
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:18
There is always a way… I wouldn’t be too worried about this, will get patched and deleted in no time.
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 18, 2015 at 08:23
Yes, but you shouldn’t have to. That’s the always the problem. It’s like they never learn.
Hammersteyn
August 18, 2015 at 07:55
All hail glorious free Windows 10! Wait? They’re doing what now?
Ottokie
August 18, 2015 at 08:17
Windows Freeware
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:20
Dudes at MS headquarters be like….
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0y90d8itR1r1onmy.gif
Hammersteyn
August 18, 2015 at 08:24
And after they ban Hentai games?
Steffmeister
August 18, 2015 at 08:19
Well I had a legit win 8 installed, upgraded to 10. Now it says activation key has been blocked. Maybe after I upgraded my GPU and bios…. Dunno… Does not exactly fill me with confidence about what I am reading now. Still cant activate win 10 and my windows 8 was pre installed (Dell)….no disc…. Legit customer being screwed by DRM …..No to DRM
FoxOneZA
August 18, 2015 at 09:47
Yep when you upgrade your BIOS the Win10 reg info gets wiped from the BIOS. You have to re-install 8.1 and then do the upgrade to 10 again. Happened on a custom built PC.
Steffmeister
August 18, 2015 at 09:56
Thanks, still learning… But what if I don’t have a Win 8 disc…or the original activation key? It was pre installed on Dell Computer. I’m thinking I’m screwed.
FoxOneZA
August 18, 2015 at 10:26
Get on the phone with Dell Support and raise the issue. The Windows 8 serial is attached to the BIOS so it should still be there should you re-install windows 8.
Try this: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/4677/t/19535839
Get the install disc from here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
Steffmeister
August 18, 2015 at 12:48
Thanks! I will try this.
HvR
August 18, 2015 at 08:30
Heard the Windows 10 codename was Kim Jong-il
JHN
August 18, 2015 at 09:23
Agreed no issue with it, piracy is not cool guys.
Steffmeister
August 18, 2015 at 09:59
With you on that one… but DRM often screws paying customers as well.
JHN
August 18, 2015 at 10:19
Agreed hopefully they get the implementation right.
The Sten
August 18, 2015 at 11:51
What do you mean by skrewed? Having to click on steam or wait 3 seconds for online activivation before playing a game is not hard.
I believe it is the responsibility of the entire gaming community to stop piracy, not just the developers. I see it as doing my bit to help, not an inconvenience.
Steffmeister
August 18, 2015 at 12:39
No, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for Steam… its actually made my life a lot easier. Just worried about stuff like whats happening now to me as I mentioned in a post below…. Upgraded from legit win 8 to 10 and now cant get it activated after updating Bios… don’t know what to do. I don’t have a Win 8 Disc to re install and a clean install is not really an option unless there is really nothing else. Don’t know if choosing the ‘Revert to Win 8’ would work since I updated my Bios afterwards.
Brady miaau
August 18, 2015 at 10:37
I have no stress about this. Microsoft is a big company that employees many, many analysis that will carefully map out each possible scenario and ensure that accidental flagging of games is, by design eliminated. They will ensure the smooth running of all games under all possible scenarios.
Yes.
http://www.iiba.org/Careers/What-is-Business-Analysis.aspx
HairyEwok
August 19, 2015 at 09:40
Corporate games that are broken on day one release deserve to be pirated, end of story. How will they ever learn if you have to BUY the game first to test it out.
Ragnar The Vengeful
August 19, 2015 at 13:48
This is the EULA for certain Win10 apps like XBOX Live and Skype and not Win10 itself. Microsoft games will be blocked if you go online and the act of piracy is detected. As I understand it, It’s some windows online services that are applicable to this EULA, your bootleg copy of Call a Doodee should be fine to play but you should feel bad for stealing. For SHAME!!!!
Irated Gamer
August 23, 2015 at 11:56
Next, Windows 10 finds copyrighted shows and movies (including those ripped from your personal dvd collection) and deletes them. Windows 10 deletes your music. Windows 10 decides which sites you shouldn’t visit and blocks access to such sites. Windows 10 disables ds4 so no more ps4 controllers on pc. Windows 10 disables all forms of emulation. Windows 10 sets masturbation limits. (disables all porn after 1 hour of viewing and can not access porn for 24 hours.) No anydvd on windows 10, no handbrake, no vlc media player, no convertxtodvd, no aoa audio extractor. Windows 10 sounds great!!!