Microsoft to make Windows 10 upgrade free, but not with pirated copy

First, the good news: Microsoft is making Windows 10 a free upgrade for all users worldwide, even those with pirated copies of the operating system.

Now, the bad news: those with pirated copies of Windows who upgrade to Windows 10 may not be able to get other updates as their devices will still be considered non-genuine.

"With Windows 10, although non-Genuine PCs may be able to upgrade to Windows 10, the upgrade will not change the genuine state of the license... If a device was considered non-genuine or mislicensed prior to the upgrade, that device will continue to be considered non-genuine or mislicensed after the upgrade," Ars Technica quoted a Microsoft spokesperson as saying in a statement.

Ars Technica quoted Microsoft operating system chief Terry Myerson as saying it's time to "re-engage" with Chinese users of Windows.

It noted Microsoft has had an issue with software pirates especially in developing markets.

Citing then-CEO Steve Ballmer in 2011, it said only 10 percent of users in China actually paid for Microsoft software.

Meanwhile, Ars Technica said Windows 10 signals a new way of doing business for Microsoft, which charges via subscriptions instead of up-front licenses.

"For this new modus operandi to be successful, it's very important that Microsoft gets everyone onto the same common platform – Windows 10 – rather than a bunch of fractured, older operating systems. A free upgrade across the board, including an armistice with the pirates, will be very effective at moving everyone to Windows 10," it said.

On the other hand, PC World said Microsoft could be trying to get Windows 10 a healthy installed base "to build up an ecosystem of modern apps and services."

Still, it said Microsoft would not want to look like it's condoning piracy.

"This is a difficult line to walk, as pirates could eye Microsoft's upgrade offer with suspicion, and may prefer to stay off the grid," it said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News