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I don't think they can do that due to the relatively weak anti-piracy protections of Windows 7, and the ease with which a SLIC 2.1 pirated copy can be converted

I don't think they can do that due to the relatively weak anti-piracy protections of Windows 7, and the ease with which a SLIC 2.1 pirated copy can be converted to a "genuine" Windows 10. It would leave too big a window open in markets like China, so after the year of free upgrades they want to draw a line under the broken system and move forward.

draugadrotten 11y ago
The decision to offer "free" upgrades also depends on how much alternative income they get from the computers converted to windows 10. Systems converted to Windows 10 provides other revenue streams to Microsoft from big data, and no doubt includes hooks for additional revenue streams such as government TLAs in the future. Data from chinese computers may well be interesting enough for someone that the are willing to sponsor the operating systems. Remember- if it's free, YOU are the product.