[A]n INI configuration file in the Windows Canary channel, discovered by German website Deskmodder, includes references to a “Subscription Edition,” “Subscription Type,” and a “subscription status.”

    • Billiam@lemmy.worldOP
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      1 year ago

      Microsoft overcharges for Windows anyway. You can go to StackSocial and regularly get Win 11 Pro for $30, when the retail price is $200.

      In any case, everything else tech is moving to SaaS. It’s not hard to believe that MS would “give” out a free (read: ad-laden) version of Windows, with various features enabled depending on tier of subscription. They’ve already got the technology in place with Azure Active Domain and this seems like a logical extension of that.

      • IHawkMike@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        It’s not hard to believe that MS would “give” out a free (read: ad-laden) version of Windows, with various features enabled depending on tier of subscription.

        Except that already have that with the Enterprise/SA tier and have for a long time. Sure, Pro is still required but it’s typically an OEM license included in the cost of the hardware.

      • circuscritic@lemmy.ca
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        1 year ago

        Those are typically grey market keys, and subject to being voided.

        Not saying it’s not a good deal, or not worth the small risk, just that those aren’t true retail prices.

    • KneeTitts@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      almost zero chance of consumer grade windows requiring a subscription

      And even if they did, fully hacked local install versions would be created… adobe photoshop is subscription only and I see full installs for it all over the place (and I might even have one myself but Im admitting to nothing)