Mystery file in preview build hints at Windows 10 subscriptions

Page 4 of 5 FirstFirst ... 2345 LastLast

  1. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #30

    The Windows Upgrade to Subscription tool, found in the latest Windows Insider builds, helps to manage certain volume licensing upgrades from Windows 10 Pro Anniversary Update to Windows 10 Enterprise. This binary file is not associated with the free consumer upgrade offering nor is it applicable to consumer Windows editions.
    ^^^^
    Looks to me to be for transferring/managing Volume License editions of Pro and Enterprise. Likely to make upgrading to a new build easier for the IT guy. Why read so much into it?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 520
    Windows 10
       #31

    I think it's only a matter of time before Windows becomes a subscription based service, just like all software.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #32

    I can see it being an option at some point. They'd have to sweeten the pot though. Some extra OneDrive Storage, multiple licenses, etc before most people would even consider it. If it was the only option I'll be moving on to something else or running my outdated but free for the life of my device version of Windows as long as possible. I have absolutely no interest in a subscription plan for Windows or office.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 80
    Windows 10
       #33

    Trust_No1 said:
    I am curious as to why people think Microsoft would need to charge anything for their OS.
    That's what I'm thinking. If there are 1 billion Windows 10 users, if the store averages only $10 per year on each user, that's significant. Market share is usually more valuable than bottom line. A billion here, a billion there, and soon you're talking about real money.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 44
    W10 Pro 1803
       #34

    Ed Bott talked to MS about this.
    "A mysterious Windows 10 .EXE hints subscriptions are coming, but don’t worry yet"
    A mysterious Windows 10 .EXE hints subscriptions are coming, but don’t worry yet

    When Build 14376 rolled out just days ago, a mysterious file called “UpgradeSubscription.exe” seemingly pointed to the possibility that Microsoft could introduce a paid subscription scheme for Windows 10. After all, there’s no sure bet that Microsoft will continue to hand out free updates over the next ten years, right?

    When right-clicking on the file, the Properties window labels the description as “Windows Upgrade to Subscription tool.” There’s nothing else in the Details panel that offers any additional clues as to the file’s main purpose other than the file version, the date it was modified, and its copyright information. The security panel shows that it’s only allowed “Read & Execute” and “Read” permissions for all restricted and unrestricted application packages, and so on. Full permissions are only given to the Trusted Installer.


    Related: Here’s a complete list of what you’ll see in Windows 10’s big update this August


    That said, when the file is executed, absolutely nothing happens. The file in question was actually made public by Ed Bott of ZDNet, who figured out that it’s related to enterprise licensing. Clues left behind in the latest Insider Preview build include a registry value called AllowWindowsSubscription, and references to servicing packages labeled as Microsoft-Client-License-Platform-Upgrade-Subscription-Package.


    Wanting to know the story behind this new executable, Bott reached out to Microsoft and received a small statement with no further elaboration.


    The Windows Upgrade to Subscription tool, found in the latest Windows Insider builds, helps to manage certain volume licensing upgrades from Windows 10 Pro Anniversary Update to Windows 10 Enterprise,” the company said. “This binary file is not associated with the free consumer upgrade offering nor is it applicable to consumer Windows editions.”


    That seemingly nails the lid closed in regards to Microsoft possibly introducing a subscription service to consumers using Windows 10. What the statement seems to point out is that small businesses running Windows 10 Pro after the Anniversary Update is installed may be able to grab features from the Enterprise version through a subscription.


    But why wouldn’t a company just upgrade using a conventional Windows 10 Enterprise license? As Bott points out, there are small companies that just don’t have the size to justify paying for a Windows Enterprise Agreement. The program is meant for organizations with 250 or more devices, that want a single agreement for buying cloud services and software licenses. Thus, perhaps Microsoft plans to offer a simpler, cheaper solution for small businesses in the coming months.


    Regardless, for now there’s no indication the new executable is meant to impact the consumer version. That said, we’ll likely hear more news about the executable over the next month – unofficially or officially – before Anniversary Update lands on Windows 10 in the consumer and professional markets in early August.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 29,078
    Windows 10 21H1 Build 19043.1023
       #35

    CADesertRat said:
    Ed Bott talked to MS about this.
    "A mysterious Windows 10 .EXE hints subscriptions are coming, but don’t worry yet"
    A mysterious Windows 10 .EXE hints subscriptions are coming, but don’t worry yet
    Yes, he did, but that doesn't mean much of anything when you get a whole bunch of people discussing something.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #36

    Some people will believe what they want to believe, regardless of the facts.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,191
    Windows 11 Pro x64
       #37

    BunnyJ said:
    Charging for a game is one thing and for an entire OS upgrade is quite another thing.
    You completely missed my point. They are charging a yearly fee for a simple card game. Not a one time purchase - a yearly fee for something that is not going be improved or get updates. Nobody would do that. It is stupid. I wouldn't put anything past the minds that brought you that logic.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 3,352
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #38

    Nobody is seriously trying to cut into Microsoft's OS territory now. But if they start charging average users a subscription fee for Windows, that will all change in a big way. It would be a drastic and maybe eventually fatal miscalculation on their part, IMO.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 80
    Windows 10
       #39

    larc919 said:
    Nobody is seriously trying to cut into Microsoft's OS territory now. But if they start charging average users a subscription fee for Windows, that will all change in a big way. It would be a drastic and maybe eventually fatal miscalculation on their part, IMO.
    Or,,, they can take the smart path and go for market share. If MS would make Win 10 totally free today, in 12-18 months, it could be on 1 billion computers.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:34.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums