Free Windows 10 Upgrade Offer Also Applies to Pirates

Microsoft is extending its free Windows 10 upgrade offer even to those who pirated Windows 7 or Windows 8, executive Terry Myerson reveals in a new interview with Reuters.

"We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10," he said.

A Microsoft representative later confirmed Myerson's comments, adding that the company hopes to "re-engage" with software pirates.

"Anyone with a qualified device can upgrade to Windows 10, including those with pirated copies of Windows," the representative told The Verge. "We believe customers over time will realize the value of properly licensing Windows and we will make it easy for them to move to legitimate copies."

As was previously announced, for the first twelve months following Windows 10's launch, PCs running Windows 7 and 8 will be eligible for a free upgrade to the new OS.

This week, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 will launch this summer, though the technology giant has not yet pinned down a specific release date. Microsoft also revealed that it's working with Chinese Internet giant Tencent to bring the massively popular MOBA League of Legends to Windows 10.

Windows 10 features a new Xbox gaming app, which will not require Xbox Live Gold. Meanwhile, another marquee gaming feature for Windows 10 is that it will allow Xbox One games to stream to PCs and tablets running the new OS. In addition, Windows 10 supports cross-platform play, starting with Fable Legends.

For more on Windows 10 and its gaming implications, check out the video above.