Microsoft is talking a lot about Windows 10 right now, from its launch window later this summer, to its minimum hardware requirements, to the update process itself. And that last part brings good news to those of you using pirated versions of the operating system.

We already knew that Windows 10 would be a free upgrade to those running Windows 7 and 8. This is Microsoft’s way of making sure that as many people as possible get on the newest version of the OS, and the company has a solid user base from the start. But the good news doesn’t stop there, as Microsoft is going all the way and offering free upgrades even to those running unlicensed versions of the OS. You read that right, pirates can upgrade for free to Windows 10.

The news came from none other than Terry Myerson himself, head of the Operating Systems Group inside of Microsoft. Myerson talked about “re-engaging” the hundreds of millions of users in China and elsewhere, who are running pirated versions of Windows.

Some questions still remain, as Myerson failed to elaborate on whether new licenses would be issued to those upgrading from pirated copies, but this is obviously a compelling strategy for Microsoft.

We’re bound to learn more on the upgrade process to Windows 10 as we near its summer launch.

Source: Reuters