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Microsoft have updated their EULA for Windows 10 and it’s usually the time when vendors try to slip in sneaky stuff.
Ed Bott from ZDNet has a razor sharp eye and he has given the thumbs up to his readers about the state of the agreement.
Here’s what it says:
Activation and licensing
Windows 10 will require activation and the license allows you to run that copy of Windows on a single licensed device.
This clause is new:
“Updating or upgrading from non-genuine software with software from Microsoft or authorized sources does not make your original version or the updated/upgraded version genuine, and in that situation, you do not have a license to use the software.”
This is definitely a scenario that will be occurring frequently. It’s important because watermark or not, if the underlying previous install was unlicensed, you’re still unlicensed. Take note.
Transfer Rights
Pretty standard – OEM copies are locked to the device on which they’re sold, retail copies can be transferred to a different device as long as the old copy is removed first.
Downgrade rights.
Buying a PC with a Professional version of Windows installed by the OEM includes the right to downgrade to either of the two earlier versions, in this case Windows 7 Professional or Windows 8.1 Pro for as long as Microsoft continues to support them.
Automatic updates The big one!
For consumers and small business, Windows 10 delivers automatic updates, with no option to selectively delay or reject individual updates. “The software periodically checks for system and app updates, and downloads and installs them for you. … By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice.” AKA the Hiroshima option.
No Commercial Use Rights for Office products.
Some Windows 10 editions will include Microsoft Office programs. As with Windows RT, those products are limited to personal and noncommercial use.
Pretty good stuff.
Watch out for the automatic updates. That to me seems like the single biggest challenge to Microsoft and businesses. Watch these pages for more.
Kudos to Ed Bott for doing the work for us (http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-releases-new-license-terms-for-windows-10-no-surprises/).
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source:windows10update