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Is it still illegal for US citizens to install a pirated copy of Windows XP or Vista on their machines, considering those windows have reached end of life? Could one get arrested for that? Thanks for any feedback.
Tristan
Posted 2018-10-05T20:23:54.107
Reputation: 1
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Yes. Microsoft holds the copyright and they have not relented on this issue. Is it illegal to pirate a 1979 movie, even though it's old? Yes.
K7AAY
Posted 2018-10-05T20:23:54.107
Reputation: 6 962
I would've referenced to Windows 95, not an old movie, but yeah... same thing. – LPChip – 2018-10-05T20:29:16.553
maybe yes, maybe no, it depends... for who ever is interested in reading up on it, here's a start
– Albin – 2018-10-05T20:56:54.973Your point is taken so the answer is amended. – K7AAY – 2018-10-05T21:04:05.490
1@K7AAY, I know that you have the best of intentions, but it may be wise to avoid posting answers to a question that is rather obviously off-topic. – Run5k – 2018-10-05T21:10:07.427
https://superuser.com/help/on-topic suggests it's in bounds. "Super User is for computer enthusiasts and power users. If you have a question about ... computer software, and and it is not about … programming and software development, video games or consoles, websites or web services like Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress, electronic devices, media players, cell phones or smart phones, except insofar as they interface with your computer, issues specific to corporate IT support and networks, asking for a product, service or learning material recommendation, – K7AAY – 2018-10-05T21:18:14.627
The consensus opinion is that it is off-topic, including the perspective of the moderator who placed the question on hold. – Run5k – 2018-10-05T21:24:43.847
@Run5k, guess you are not available. – K7AAY – 2018-12-28T17:09:13.003
3I think this question is off topic on Super User. Generally speaking, yes, it is illegal until the copyright expires (this is a long time away) or Microsoft relinquishes the copyright. The support life cycle is entirely unrelated. – Worthwelle – 2018-10-05T20:27:16.437
It is even illegal to install windows 95 without a license. I wanted to say Windows 3.11, but I then remembered that they didn't use license keys back then. You owned the software or not. – LPChip – 2018-10-05T20:28:42.040
I would recommend to get a valid licence, for example on ebay, the cost almost nothing and you will be on the save side. – Albin – 2018-10-05T20:50:01.117