alt Hacker NewsMicrosoft doesn't give 2 cents now on desktops and desktop software. They care about selling cloud and cloud products.
Since they can't charge a subscription for Windows (like Adobe does for its products), they don't care about it anymore.
Replies
radiator • today at 10:24 AM
Why can't they charge a subscription for windows? It could be only a small yearly fee.
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dreamcompiler • today at 11:32 AM
I get the impression they care very much about windows because they can sell ads on it.
Ygg2 • today at 1:55 PM
I don't disagree. A big reason 2026 is the Year of the Desktop Linux is that MSFT lost any interest in the Desktop PC platform. Outside selling more of my data and filling it with AI Slop.
But if, say, AAPL had won the PC wars, we'd be staring at a much more locked-down, much more expensive OS experience.
Do they no longer charge annual licenses for Windows Server?
On that topic, it’s always surprised me just how little Apple invest into their enterprise / business backend services. Everything about the way they integrate Macs into businesses is awkward. Apple could make so much money there if they wanted to. It’s a real missed opportunity.