Windows 10 EULA grants it permission to delete pirated games and disable unauthorized hardware

While most people just scroll through Microsoft's EULAs and click the accept button, some people actually go through the trouble of reading these legal texts to see what's in it. One of the more curious blurbs of text in the Windows 10 EULA is raising some eyebrows as it gives Microsoft the explicit right to prevent you from running pirated games or using unauthorized hardware.

The terms now explicitly state Microsoft can release updates that could have some serious consequences. In the terms the company states it might, “download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices.”

It’s unclear what the company means with unauthorized hardware peripheral devices, it could be that the company will disable e.g. Xbox controllers that are not certified by Microsoft. Counterfeit games is more clear, this is pirated software.

While we don't know if Microsoft has any plans to enforce this, MyCE writes the impact could potentially not be limited to Windows 10 as updates to Skype, Windows Live Mail, Maps, OneDrive app, OneNote app, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Games published by Microsoft are covered by the same terms.