I don’t know all the details, but you can buy Windows 11 from them still. An “upgrade” from 10 to 11 may be free, at least that’s what the world’s most annoying pop-up was telling me before I switched to Linux.
That’s not exactly the same as them offering the whole OS for free. That’s basically a trial version. The “Activate Windows” message is stuck there and it will bug you with reminders to activate all the time. Their intent is for you to purchase a key from them. Any other method to remove the message and activate Windows that does not involve paying them money is against their terms of service.
Saying that’s Windows offering the OS for free is like saying you can get free books from a library if you just don’t return them. It goes against the intent of the service.
You’re forgetting piracy. I didn’t buy any parts with OEM licenses. Granted I went grey market for my Windows 10 so I paid someone like $20.
doesnt microsoft offer the OS for free?
I don’t know all the details, but you can buy Windows 11 from them still. An “upgrade” from 10 to 11 may be free, at least that’s what the world’s most annoying pop-up was telling me before I switched to Linux.
microsoft offers the ISO for free on the website
you will get transparent text telling you to activate windows in a corner, but that is easy to get rid of
That’s not exactly the same as them offering the whole OS for free. That’s basically a trial version. The “Activate Windows” message is stuck there and it will bug you with reminders to activate all the time. Their intent is for you to purchase a key from them. Any other method to remove the message and activate Windows that does not involve paying them money is against their terms of service.
Saying that’s Windows offering the OS for free is like saying you can get free books from a library if you just don’t return them. It goes against the intent of the service.