Why is using Windows now almost free?

In recent years, Microsoft has implemented a significant transformation in its strategy regarding Windows, moving away from a pay-per-update model to offering its operating system practically for free.

This change responds to the need to unify its user base and has been detailed by Dave Plummer, creator of the Task Manager, in a recent video.

Since Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014, Microsoft adopted the concept of “Windows as a service.”

The free upgrade model of Windows 10: a revolutionary change in Microsoft’s strategy

This strategy became evident with the launch of Windows 10, which was offered as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7 and 8. This move aimed to reduce the fragmentation of the operating system, thereby making it easier for developers and decreasing the technical support burden on the company.

The decision to offer Windows 10 at no cost had an immediate impact, achieving massive adoption of the new platform. However, the question arises: how did Microsoft compensate for the loss of revenue due to the reduction in license sales?

According to Plummer, the answer lies in the collection of anonymous telemetry data on how users interact with the system, which allows not only to improve the platform but also to monetize it through services like Office 365 (currently Microsoft 365) and Game Pass.

Despite these advancements, the data collection strategy has been criticized by many users who consider it invasive, especially due to the integration of advertising and the promotion of services within the operating system.

Microsoft seems determined to keep as many users as possible within its ecosystem, transforming Windows into a gateway to a variety of cloud services and subscriptions, leaving behind the traditional software sales model.