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Microsoft’s new Services Terms that went in effect on the 1st of August state the technology giant can prevent you from playing counterfeit games or use unauthorized hardware. The terms are valid for everyone using Microsoft services such as Office 365, Outlook.com, Xbox Live, Skype, OneDrive, Bing and MSN. Also software using a Microsoft account is covered by the terms meaning the terms also affect most Windows 10 users. Although Microsoft’s latest OS can be used without a Microsoft account the majority of users will nevertheless use it with an account from the Redmond company.

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The terms now explicitly state Microsoft can release updates that could have some serious consequences. In the terms the company states it might, “download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices.”

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It’s unclear what the company means with unauthorized hardware peripheral devices, it could be that the company will disable e.g. Xbox controllers that are not certified by Microsoft. Counterfeit games is more clear, this is pirated software.

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Users not on Windows 10 could potentially also become a victim of these new terms, also updates to Skype, Windows Live Mail, Maps, OneDrive app, OneNote app, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Games published by Microsoft are covered by the terms.

With the release of Windows 10 there has also been a lot of buzz regarding the privacy settings of the operating system. The express settings, which are used by default when installing the operating system, contain some settings that by some users are considered as privacy concerns, such as the use of Cortana, automatic updates, the use of a Microsoft account and the gathering of telemetry and privacy by Microsoft.

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