If you are one of those 70 Million users who have upgraded their systems to the newest Windows 10 operating system, Microsoft could be scanning your PC for pirated games and unauthorized hardware.
Almost three weeks have passed after the worldwide launch of Windows 10, Millions of users have upgraded their systems to the Microsoft's latest operating system.
However, we have seen many privacy concerns around the new OS, including:
- Turned ON bandwidth sharing to distribute updates to other Windows 10 users
- Default settings sending users' data to Microsoft servers
- Wi-Fi password sharing feature i.e. Windows Wi-Fi Sense enabled
- Forcing Automatic software updates for Windows 10
Unlike at first glance, these changes made by Microsoft in its new Free Windows upgrade do not actually felt free to its users due to a lack of transparency from the company about the reality of the new features.
Now, the latest concern about the new operating system is that Windows 10 will disable pirated games and unauthorized hardware.
Microsoft to Remotely Disable Pirated Games on Windows 10
A new report at technology site Alphr last week noted that the company has updated its services agreement, which every user must agree to in order to install and use the operating system.
The changes made to the agreement is such that if you try to run any pirated game or software on Windows 10, then Microsoft can remotely uninstall such software without even asking you. Also, hardware that has been changed or hacked could also be blocked.
Section 7b of the Windows 10 services agreement now states:
"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 agreement covers Windows 10 itself, Windows Phone, and Microsoft's services and apps like Skype, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live that run on top of Windows 10.
Windows 10 Continually Scans your Computer
Although there isn't any mention of counterfeit software, it is not clear if the company is scanning PCs for counterfeit versions of software like Adobe Premier Pro or Office.
However, it is confirmed by the latest report that Microsoft will constantly be scanning your computers to make sure you don't run any illegal copies of Call of Duty, which raises privacy concerns.
So far, it isn't clear what technique the company is using to caught the pirated games and software on users PC. But, it seems like Microsoft has played very intelligently with the launch of Windows 10, not only technically but also legally in producing a single, intelligible agreement.
