As part of its efforts to combat software piracy, Microsoft is testing a new feature on its Download Center website that can lock out pirated copies of Windows.

During the test period, users of Download Center can opt to have the Windows software installed on their PCs validated as genuine. If the operating system is a legitimate copy, users will get access to all Microsoft downloads. If not, they will be shown information on software piracy before they can download the software they selected.

The Download Center offers many Microsoft downloads, including MSN Messenger, Windows Media Player and security updates. However, it is not the same as Windows Update or Automatic Updates, the website and service commonly used to get security fixes and updates from Microsoft. Story continues