Several users report that pirated Windows installations that circumvent Microsoft’s piracy checks by using software like AutoKMS, can possibly upgrade to a legitimate activated version of Windows 10.

The news comes from several topics on the Piracy Reddit. Several users in the topic report that they’ve upgraded pirated Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 versions to legitimate, activated Windows 10 versions on which also Windows Update works. Software pirates even get a completely new product key. The pirates make use of a tool that Microsoft has put online, or the “Get Windows 10″ app, that was distributed by Windows Update KB3035583.

In the past there was a lot of confusion about who could upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Microsoft’s Terry Myerson stated in an interview with Reuters that all Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users would get a free upgrade, whether the install was genuine or not. Later Microsoft clarified the information stating pirated Windows versions that upgrade to Windows 10 would not convert to legitimate versions. Meaning, an illegal Windows 8.1 installation with a watermark on the desktop can upgrade to a watermarked Windows 10 installation. Purchasing a Windows 10 license will remove the watermark and make it a genuine Windows installation.

However, it was unknown how the upgrade process would go for users with an illegal but successfully cracked Windows install. It appears that these users can now upgrade to Windows 10 without paying and even get a legitimate Windows 10 version.