Microsoft is believed to be testing a new business model for their upcoming operating system, with the notable difference of not having activation keys.
Historically, Microsoft’s operating systems have come with activation keys, where users can purchase and activate them for use. However, with Windows 12, Microsoft is said to be transitioning to a subscription-based service model.
Windows 12 is the operating system that replaces the current Windows 11 with a host of new features, some of which users may not like, especially the subscription service. Essentially, it functions as a cloud-based operating system, allowing users to access Windows 12 on any computer at any time.
However, this would require users to pay a monthly subscription fee, similar to other cloud services, rather than making a one-time purchase with an activation key, which has traditionally been a cost-effective option for long-term usage. For instance, most new laptops come pre-installed with Windows in an OEM format, which is significantly cheaper than purchasing an activation key. This does not require users to pay a monthly fee, which could become more expensive over time.
The issue is that everything may change if the report from Deskmodder is accurate. This information is based on data related to subscriptions found in the INI configuration file of the Canary channel build. It is hoped that this is not the only option, and Microsoft may provide the operating system under both activation key and subscription-based models.
It is known that Microsoft is heavily focusing on Windows 12 to transform it into an operating system that not only caters to the cloud but also operates on the foundation of artificial intelligence.