software licensing
If running Linux on same physical computer as Windows, can one legally use Microsoft&#39;s files?
<p>I bought a computer with Windows 10 pre-installed.  I then also installed Linux on the same computer so that I can choose between Windows or Linux at boot time (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-booting" rel="nofollow noreferrer">dual booting</a>).  I also have it set up so that Linux can see Windows files, including <code>C:\Windows\Fonts</code>.  I personally like the Windows/Microsoft fonts better than the free alternatives, so I want to use them while running Linux.</p>

<p>According to the <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Windows/10/UseTerms_Retail_Windows_10_English.htm" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Microsoft License Terms</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Applicability</strong>: This agreement applies to the Windows software that is preinstalled on your device, or acquired from a retailer and installed by you, the media on which you received the software (if any), any fonts, ...</p>
  
  <p><strong>License</strong>. The software is licensed, not sold. Under this agreement, we grant you the right to install and run one instance of the software on your device (the licensed device), for use by one person at a time, so long as you comply with all the terms of this agreement.</p>
  
  <p><strong>Device</strong>. In this agreement, “device” means a hardware system (whether physical or virtual) with an internal storage device capable of running the software. A hardware partition or blade is considered to be a device.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Under restrictions (what's no allowed) it list these things that I'm not sure apply:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(i) use or virtualize features of the software separately;</p>
  
  <p>(iv) work around any technical restrictions or limitations in the software;</p>
  
  <p>(v) use the software as server software ... or install the software on a device for use only by remote users;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Would any of those restrictions apply to what I'm doing?</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>If running Linux on same physical computer as Windows, can one legally use Microsoft's files?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Apparently not. The fonts would be considered a <em>feature</em> of the software. </p>

<p>Even mounting the Windows file system in your Linux partition, as opposed to copying the fonts, would violate the terms of the license. That is because the terms of the license allow the inference that the licensed copy of Windows 10 is mutually understood as <em>the active</em> partition at the time of using its features.</p>

<p>Therefore, using the fonts from elsewhere (including a different partition insofar as the license considers it a device on its own) constitutes <em>using the feature separately</em>.</p>
