Windows 10 blocks games and pirated software? Yes, no, maybe – Tom’s Hardware

A new clause in the license services Microsoft suggests that Windows 10 software and hardware can arbitrarily block “unauthorized “. In many last night jumped to the conclusion that Windows 10 will hunt down and block pirated games. Not necessarily so, but it might be and expect clarification from the company.

Sometimes it will require upgrades of the software to continue using the services. We may automatically check your version of the software and download updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent access to services, start games counterfeit or unauthorized use hardware devices. is what we read in paragraph 7.b.

SI is a phrase that can actually make a lot of worry that, as they should not, for one reason or the other have the ‘habit of starting pirated games (and other software). Importantly, however, that it is not the license (EULA) for Windows , but that of Microsoft Services.

Therefore, the new policy should apply only to games Microsoft Store, and in principle seems a replica of what is already happening on Xbox One – which makes sense given the opportunity to make streaming of the games from the console to the PC.

No alarm then? Not at the moment, but many have sought clarification on Microsoft, and in the coming days, perhaps we will know more. Meanwhile PCGamerHardware.de adds a curious detail: Windows 10 will not run some older games because of DRM .

The fact is that the DRM that were used some years ago are today considered true rootkit (and were even then, to be honest), systems that potentially allow it to penetrate into your PC without your knowledge. Let’s talk about titles like Grand Theft Auto III, Battlefield 1942, The Sims and others. This news will bother to many, but in this case it comes to make the operating system more secure. In particular, it is probably the micro virtual machines from Alex Ionescu explained a few months ago.

The games mentioned, therefore, you can not start Windows 10 in their original version, but fortunately remove DRM today it is not particularly difficult ; for example you can go on GOG and buy a version without this system.

remain still some questions that Microsoft, we hope, will soon answer. We speak only of video games or other applications? The system will be limited to software distributed through Windows Store, or even at all? What does “hardware authorized”? Should we expect that Windows 10 analyze our computer for illicit material? If the thing you do not like or bothers you, you might want to begin to consider a Linux distribution, and all possible measures to make it as safe as possible. Qubes for example is a good starting point, but not really what you’d call a software “user friendly”, is not finished and certainly not made for video games.