[UPDATE]

We’ve had many of our readers bring some new information to our attention – this EULA update is a separate one from the EULA that oversees Windows, the operating system. This new update is to protect against piracy of both Xbox Live and Windows Store content, not content running on Windows 10.

[ORIGINAL STORY]

A recently found update (via Alphr) to the Windows 10 end user license agreement has given the company some real power over pirated games, software, and illegal hardware.

The new clause is found under section 7b, “Updates to the Services or Software, and Changes to These Terms.” It states:

“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 unauthorized hardware peripheral devices. You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services.”

This means the company is able to remotely disable pirated games, and it suggests they will be regularly scanning your hardware to find these instances of counterfeit software.

The bit pointing out “unauthorized hardware peripheral devices” is a bit more nebulous, as this could mean a variety of things – but most likely illegal and or hacked pieces of hardware? It could be anyone’s guess at this point.

To be clear – this is simply a clause in their updated EULA, and may or may not be indicative of Microsoft actively hunting down instances of piracy or illegal hardware.

We’ll keep you guys posted.