Windows 10 can automatically disable pirated software, unauthorized hardware

A new bombshell about Windows 10 has officially dropped with the latest update. Microsoft can now disable any pirated and counterfeit software or hardware running on the Windows 10 operating system, or at least this is what is being interpreted based on the updated End User License Agreement (EULA) that was recently released.  The new Windows 10 terms and conditions allow Microsoft to replace, modify, or update software on your computer without warning. The changes to the Windows 10 EULA were first spotted by PC Authority (even though other people likely read through the EULA before them) and according to their report, section 7b or the ‘Updates to the Services or Software, and Changes to These Terms’ section filed under the Windows 10 EULA states that Microsoft, “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 unauthorized hardware peripheral devices.”

This can mean a lot of things. How will Microsoft know that a program is pirated or fake? Will Microsoft simply use this tactic to disable games and software they are affiliated with such as Microsoft Word, or will they seek third-party games and help their competitors?

With Windows 10 Home edition, Microsoft has already made the Windows 10 software update mandatory and denied the choice to say no to them. This can be a huge problem because users might not even know when the update will take place or if it has even happened in time to remove software that may be counterfeit without their knowledge. What if a person was to purchase hardware or software they suspected was legitimate but turns out not to be? It happens.

Another issue with this is that it could (not certain) affect the games people play on Xbox gaming systems. It’s currently unclear what Microsoft means by ‘unauthorized hardware peripheral devices’ in their EULA.  Microsoft ended its Windows Live Games in support of Steam with Windows 10; However XBox gaming controllers can now be used with Microsoft Windows 10 computers for gaming.