Microsoft makes it easier to upgrade to Windows 10, even for pirates

Still running ye'olde Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 on your PC? Well, Microsoft wants to change that. It will tolerate your disobedience, but it will gently nudge you into installing Windows 10 — and by gently, we mean tirelessly and constantly.

On Thursday, the company announced a number of changes to the way upgrading to Windows 10 works. Perhaps most importantly, the two-step process of upgrading to Windows 10, which so far required reserving your copy and then getting a notification you can actually upgrade, is gone. Now, when you make a reservation for Windows 10, it will be immediately available to you.

Furthermore, Windows 10 will "soon" become an "Optional Update" in Windows Update for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. Microsoft already experimented with this earlier this month, even making the option pre-checked for some users, later explaining this was an error.

Starting "early next year," Microsoft will go even further, making Windows 10 a "Recommended Update." This means that the upgrade process will start automatically for some users, depending on their settings. This will always require a confirmation from the user, Microsoft explains, and even if you change your mind, your old operating system (apps and settings included) will remain saved for 31 days should you decide to go back.

Finally, Microsoft is making some changes for users running non-Genuine (pirated) versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. These users will get a one-click way to turn their Windows version into a legitimate, Genuine version, which will then clear the way for upgrading to Windows 10. This does not mean that users with pirated versions of Windows will get a free upgrade; they'll still have to purchase a Genuine activation code, but this process will make it easier. Microsoft is running this option as a test for users in the United States; if it turns out to be successful, the company will expand it to other regions as well.

Mashable