Windows 10 subscriptions aren't happening. Here's why

alphanumeric said:

I don't have the finances to be replacing my devices that often. And what I do on my PC's doesn't require new hardware at that rate or replacement. For me, the subscription plan would just be wasted money.

Neither do I and that's the point.

Kari said:

This conversation is pointless. If you do not see any benefits in subscribing software (or in this case OS), there's nothing I can say to change that. Let's just say this: I would never again go and buy an Office 2016 install DVD with a one time price for each PC, to install it on every PC I need it. I rather subscribe it, as I have done for years now.

I am as unable to see the benefits in buying a retail Windows 10 license for each PC I need to as you are to see the benefits of a subscription.

Today's price for Windows 10 Home for a single PC at Microsoft Store is $120 (Microsoft Store - Shopping Cart). Comparing that to my concept I told about, I would need $600 to get it to five computers, with less features (no OneDrive).

I'd rather pay a $99 annual subscription, getting it for 6 years with the same money. In six years quite a lot can be changed, the cost of a single Windows can be much more than today's $120. The subscription price will also be higher but I am sure I would gladly do the same decision again.

Subscription over one time pay for me.

Kari

It's nice if you have 600 dollars to spend but not all of us do. Keep that in mind.

Mark Phelps said:

Now THAT would surely hurt MS's 200 MILLION users count if 80% suddenly dropped Win10 due to a subscription model being put in place!

I am uneducated and uncivilized, I know it. Please educate me, tell me how and why would 80% of the users drop Windows 10 if there was an alternative way to get it, a subscription and a "pay for once use the lifetime of your device" option side by side?

Do you mean that the users who would usually buy a one time retail license and would still be able to do that really object and hate the subscription model so much that they would completely stop using Windows if that option, an alternative was offered to those who want it?

BunnyJ said:

It's nice if you have 600 dollars to spend but not all of us do. Keep that in mind.

How can you misread me so badly? Intentionally? I said that I would not like to use $600 if I could get more with an annual $99 subscription.

I can somehow understand you guys attacking a concept I described (repeat: an imaginary concept!) but please, do not try to stress your points by intentionally quoting me wrong.

Winuser said:

..... As for "good for the life of the device". Did MS ever give their definition of what they consider the life of a device?

You hit the nail on the head. I can guarantee that "life of the device" does not include how long you can keep the thing running. When they decide something's no longer supported, you will be on your own. Additionally, I'll bet you will see future optional add-ons which will be available at a price, just like buying an app on Google Play or Apple App Store. In this scenario, an optional subscription model may be a viable option for some people.

Kari said:

I am uneducated and uncivilized, I know it. Please educate me, tell me how and why would 80% of the users drop Windows 10 if there was an alternative way to get it, a subscription and a "pay for once use the lifetime of your device" option side by side?

Do you mean that the users who would usually buy a one time retail license and would still be able to do that really object and hate the subscription model so much that they would completely stop using Windows if that option, an alternative was offered to those who want it?



How can you misread me so badly? Intentionally? I said that I would not like to use $600 if I could get more with an annual $99 subscription.

I can somehow understand you guys attacking a concept I described (repeat: an imaginary concept!) but please, do not try to stress your points by intentionally quoting me wrong.

To quote you:

I'd rather pay a $99 annual subscription, getting it for 6 years with the same money.

Subscription total fee = 99 * 6= 594
One time Payment = 120

That's what I was/am referring to.

You seem to like this subscription idea for you own reasons and I don't wish to pay every year for 10.. ever.
..

BunnyJ said:

I would strongly consider going back to 7.

What I figured was going to happen was that the system builds would be issued to a point (where say for example a MAJOR change was going to happen). Then they might charge $40 or $50 to move to the new version, but updates and support would be provided for awhile (maybe one year) for the old release.

At a certain point, you might need to change out hardware (perhaps a new CPU would require support or a new system bus). I guess I figured it was going to be a carbon copy of the Mac OSX model.