Warner Bros. Interactive / Rocksteady Games

Microsoft can remotely disable pirated games and unauthorised hardware being used on Windows 10, according to the company's usage guidelines.

Section 7b of the Microsoft services agreement, which all users must agree to in order to use Windows 10, states: "We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorised hardware peripheral devices."


The clause, first spotted by technology site Alphr, confirms Microsoft is able to scan Windows 10 for counterfeit software and disable it. Hardware that has been hacked or changed could also be blocked.

There is no mention of counterfeit software and it isn't clear if Microsoft will be scanning systems for counterfeit versions of software such as Office or Adobe Premier Pro.

The services agreement covers Windows 10, Windows Phone, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Published on 4 June 2015, the agreement came into force on 1 August.

We've contacted Microsoft to clarify the issue and will update this article accordingly.

Update 19/08/15: Section 7b is part of the Microsoft services agreement, not the Windows 10 services agreement. The Microsoft agreement also covers Windows 10.