Statements that were released by Microsoft officials in the last few weeks created more confusion among existing Windows users who planned to upgrade to Windows 10, with some believing that the new operating system could be offered free of charge even in the case of non-genuine copies of Windows 7 and 8.1.

In a blog post today, Terry Myerson, head of the Windows division at Microsoft, finally confirms that Windows 10 won't be offered free of charge to pirates, pointing out that in case your copy of Windows 10 won't be genuine, watermarks will invade your desktop until you buy a license.

Myerson explains that those who purchase a new device that comes with that non-genuine watermark warning on the desktop are recommended to return it and request another one with a genuine copy of Windows.

“Non-Genuine Windows has a high risk of malware, fraud, public exposure of your personal information, and a higher risk for poor performance or feature malfunctions. Non-Genuine Windows is not supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner,” he said.

Special offers for pirates coming

OK, so Windows 10 won't be free for pirates. But that's not the end of the world, Microsoft says. Those who won't continue using a pirated copy of Windows 10 and want to go genuine will be provided with special deals to purchase licenses for the new operating system.

“In partnership with some of our valued OEM partners, we are planning very attractive Windows 10 upgrade offers for their customers running one of their older devices in a Non-Genuine state,” Myerson explained.

Details are not provided right now, but expect discounts for those who are already on a pirated version of Windows, although it's pretty hard to imagine how such a program would work. A pirate would have to admit he's a pirate to get a genuine license of Windows 10, which is pretty difficult given the fact that it's legal, but time will tell if Microsoft's plan is going to work.