The Real Reason Windows is Free - And What That Costs You

This video explores why Microsoft made Windows 10 available for free and examines the hidden costs of this business model. Join Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer who worked during the MS-DOS and Windows 95 era, as he analyzes the market forces that drove this decision, including declining PC sales, negative reception to Windows 8, and competition from free operating systems like macOS and Linux. Learn how CEO Satya Nadella's vision transformed Windows from a product into a service, and understand the trade-offs users face through increased telemetry, built-in advertising, and the shift toward subscription-based revenue streams. Gain valuable insights into Microsoft's strategic evolution in this 18-minute technical history lesson.