This makes no sense!
Rampant Windows piracy is also a major factor in hindering botnet cleanup efforts as it means often that automatic patch updates, one of the best security tools available, are turned off.
Starting with Windows Vista you needed more than just a license key. There's built-in key management to insure that this Windows O/S is legit. It hasn't been worth the effort to keep track of the nuts and bolts but these installs update just fine. So poor updating isn't a valid condition unless pirates systematically disable updates regardless.
Yes, Windows XP and 2000 did require "activation" which did enable Windows Updates but a quick hack and you could activate it offline. [X-Setup was handy for offline setups to activate when dialup was restored)] I suppose all those zombies could easily be XP. If that's the case, no low cost upgrade keeps the world hosting a systemic infection with no treatment regimen in sight.