Microsoft extends Windows 10 free upgrade offer to pirates

Microsoft will offer Windows 10 as a free upgrade to anyone with a copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8, regardless of whether that copy is genuine or otherwise.

In an interview with Reuters, Windows chief Terry Myerson explained the free update offer of Microsoft’s upcoming OS would be extended to legitimate users and software pirates alike.

"We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10," Myerson said.

The Verge further reports that Microsoft has provided clarification on Myerson’s statement, as some reports had claimed the offer to non-genuine copy owners was restricted to China – where former CEO Steve Ballmer once claimed only customer in every 10 is actually paying for Windows.

The company has made it clear that’s not the case however, verifying that the offer will be made available to any individual with a qualified device.

"Anyone with a qualified device can upgrade to Windows 10, including those with pirated copies of Windows," a Microsoft spokesperson stated. "We believe customers over time will realize the value of properly licensing Windows and we will make it easy for them to move to legitimate copies."

Windows 10 launches worldwide this summer.