Windows 10 has the power to disable pirated software…UPDATE well sort of

UPDATE: Although initially thought to affect the entire Windows 10 operating system it appears the ammendments added to the EULA were intended to protect against pirated software from Xbox Live and the Windows Store, but not monitor for all illegal acitivty on Windows 10

ORIGINAL:

In an update to its end-user license agreement for Windows 10, it appears that Microsoft now has the authority to search your computer for pirated software, whether it is running or not, and disable it.

Despite online services such as Steam or Origin, piracy still plagues the PC gaming community in a very severe way. Since Microsoft is trying to make Windows 10 a key part of its gaming business this update makes a lot of sense.

This is the exact wording of the updated agreement:

“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.”

According to this paragraph, not only does this affect the more than 53 million users now running Windows 10, but also tablet and smartphone users as well using Windows services. Modded controllers that give players unfair advantages seem to also be a target for this update.

It’s worth noting that it is unclear if this will affect Xbox and illegally obtained Xbox Live content or not, but it seems to be leaning in that direction.

Although this statistic is a few years old, you can clearly see the severity of piracy around the world

Is this an invasion of privacy or a necessary step that needs to be taken in order to fight piracy? Let us know in the comments below!