Windows 10 will be offered as a free upgrade within the first year after launch, and a statement released by Microsoft yesterday made everyone believe that the new operating system could be available free of charge even for pirates.

But in a statement provided by a Microsoft spokesperson today, the software giant explains that it's not all just milk and honey because the free Windows 10 promo won't change anything for computers running a pirated version of Windows.

First of all, let's see the announcement made by Microsoft:

“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.”

Once a pirate, always a pirate (unless you buy a license)

Specifically, what Microsoft is trying to say is that all Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 computers will get upgraded to Windows 10. It doesn't really matter if they are genuine or not, everyone gets the chance to upgrade to Windows 10. What happens next makes the difference.

Basically, a computer running a legitimate version of Windows 7 or 8.1 will be upgraded to Windows 10 and then activate the new copy of the operating system automatically, with no other issue expected to be experienced if everything goes right.

On the other hand, those running a pirated version of the two operating systems will also get the upgrade to Windows 10, but afterward, they'll end up with an unlicensed copy of the OS that will run for a limited period of time. This copy won't be activated and will require users to purchase a legitimate license.

Of course, this plan might disappoint those who hoped to get Windows 10 at absolutely no charge, but we all know that there's no such thing as a free lunch. It's actually a way for Microsoft to show everyone what Windows 10 is all about and more or less force them to purchase a license.

Piracy can't live on forever, after all...