Microsoft: Over 22% of PCs use pirated Windows

On January 22, Microsoft said that more than a fifth of all computers connected to its servers are using " pirated " versions of Windows.

Over the past year and a half (July 2005), Microsoft has introduced the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) program to detect and identify illegal Windows versions. Any Windows user who wants to download an upgrade from a Microsoft website must undergo WGA testing.

According to Microsoft, since the launch of the WGA program, there have been more than 512 million users conducting Windows validation, 22.3% of which are determined to be using "pirated" versions of Windows. Microsoft also issued 56,000 reports, announcing that users are using illegal software.

Although the ratio is quite high, if compared to the average software piracy rate of the world, it is still not absorbed. According to BSA Enterprise Software Association, 35% of the total software in the world is pirated (North America accounts for 22%); Yankee Group said 55% of businesses are reportedly using pirated software.

To prepare for the launch of Windows Vista (consumer version) and Office 2007 next week, Microsoft has launched a campaign called "Genuine Fact Files", which calls for users to be aware of the risks involved. when using "pirated" Windows version.