By signing EULA, you have allowed Windows 10 to disable counterfeit games and hardware that are not authorized

According to the Microsoft’s new Services Terms effective August 1st, Microsoft can stop you from using unauthorized hardware or from playing counterfeit games. Microsoft services such as Office 365, Outlook.com, Skype, OneDrive, Xbox Live, MSN, and Bing are also covered by the new services terms.

The terms are also applicable to software using a Microsoft account, which would mean that it would also have an effect on most Windows 10 users. Majority of the users use Microsoft’s latest OS with an account from the Redmond company, even though when they have an option to use it without an account.

Microsoft now clearly states in the terms that the updates released could have some serious effects. 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.”

Further, there is no clarity on what the company means when it says unauthorized hardware peripheral devices. It could mean that the company may disable e.g. Xbox controllers that are uncertified by Microsoft. There is more clarity on counterfeit games, as this is pirated software.

Non Windows 10 users could fall prey to these new terms. The Microsoft’s new terms are also applicable to updates to Skype, OneDrive app, OneNote app, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Games, Windows Live Mail, Maps, and Windows Movie Maker.

There has a lot of murmuring and talks hovering over the privacy settings of Windows 10 from the time of its release. For instance, when the operating system is installed, it uses the default express settings, which according to some users contain some settings regarded as privacy concerns, such as the use of Cortana, the use of a Microsoft account, automatic updates, and the accumulating of telemetry and privacy by Microsoft.