Recommended Posts

I would like to put forward a scenario. As we know the world is moving to mobile, an area in which MS have little to no impact. I believe MS will get one more attempt to become relevant in mobile and this scenario assumes that MS fails with the endeavor. With that failure the Windows Store never takes off and continues to be disappointing for MS. While W10 is on hundreds of millions of mainly desktop devices in the wild MS simply aren't making huge profits off it. To keep revenues up MS continue their push into the cloud, office, apps on IOS/Android and business and have great success. Question: At that point in time would MS consider selling off the Windows side of the business? I know it's sounds crazy however it's not as ridiculous as it sounds if the cards fall as I describe.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1337212-could-ms-sell-windows/
Share on other sites

I think that is crazy, and they'll continue to make bucket loads of money from Windows for many years to come, especially since Windows is an important to several areas they are growing in (like Azure). 

 

The big reason mobile is popular is due to the desire for content consumption on the move AND it being inexpensive compared to full-blown Windows PCs (yes; this refers to Android in particular).  Note that when it comes to content creation, for the MOST part, Windows is de rigeur AND more features are insisted upon - not just in the OS, but in the hardware RUNNING said OS - the skimpiness present in terms of Android hardware is scorned.

Windows can run on almost any desktop or mobile devices ever made. It runs on the Mac. It runs on the latest hardware as well as much of the oldest. I can't imagine MS ever selling off its portal to all things network.  If anything, I suspect Windows will evolve again from "Metro" to a more traditional interface but driven by voice and gestures, IOT IFTTT type stuff. It will be more touch enabled. I suspect It is going to continue to evolve and continue to lead in the desktop/mobile space. But giving up its starting QB because of a game loss is not in the cards.  As an aside, I never expected MS to really get behind its own phone like they did for Xbox, and they didn't. They thought a smart phone was a passing fad with no future, laughed at Apple and said some unkind things about google. And when they did bother to get in, they gave us Microsoft Kin. It wasn't serious.  But like anything, if a product becomes a drag on the company, like the Microsoft Band, Windows Phone, Zune and IMHO, Groove, they will drop it like a bad habit.

No. It's easy to see consumers move away from Windows PCs to connected devices and such, but their bread and butter will continue to be business. The "family PC" is kind of almost possibly maybe dead, which is why Windows 10 is/was free. They don't need to charge those left using it... it's businesses that keep Microsoft in their desktop monopoly. Everyone using Mac or Linux has a damn good reason to do so, and everyone else just accepts Windows as the default because it's easy. And gamers. They might be able to milk us gamers since we can't exactly go to Linux, unless we also go to a game console.

I see my thought bubble...or brain fart depending on your view has been poo-pooed by better judges than me.  :) That's fine, it would be an earth shattering decision for the tech world if it were to happen. Allow me to ask another question. If MS's next mobile attempt does fail with the store and UWP adoption struggling where do MS go with Windows?

Back on topic though, as @Bamsebjørn says, I can see it becoming fully WaaS with the Store bringing in the revenue from having the OS installed.

 

It will never be free to Enterprise though (Server and for Workstations) I just mean the consumer version.

21 minutes ago, Nefarious Trigger said:

Absolutely the daftest thing I've read today!

Just throwing around a possible future man. Isn't that what the forums are for? Settle down. :)

19 minutes ago, Steven P. said:

Back on topic though, as @Bamsebjørn says, I can see it becoming fully WaaS with the Store bringing in the revenue from having the OS installed.

 

It will never be free to Enterprise though (Server and for Workstations) I just mean the consumer version.

Stephen, did you happen to read Paul Thurrott's article on his site about WaaS? It is a Premium article but well worth the read.

9 minutes ago, JR1966 said:

Just throwing around a possible future man. Isn't that what the forums are for? Settle down. :)

Stephen, did you happen to read Paul Thurrott's article on his site about WaaS? It is a Premium article but well worth the read.

Nope :)

15 minutes ago, JR1966 said:

Just throwing around a possible future man. Isn't that what the forums are for? Settle down.

Totally settled, it's just daft and not a "possible future" it's an idle thought that you'd ponder when stoned ;)

18 minutes ago, xendrome said:

That would be like Ford selling off it's car manufacturing business.

I heard Ford was going to do that and go into the OEM Phone business...... so much more money in the phone industry.......

  • Like 3

Im afraid it would never ever happen, MS make multiple millions from windows sales in the corporate space. end points and server and all the other backend gear revolving around Windows on x86. Its their golden cash cow, always has been, always will be. Domestic use isnt their primary market, its heavily subsidised by their enterprise market.

 

Their mobile desires is/was a nice to have, more a case of "me too me too!" and failed yet again.

1 hour ago, Nefarious Trigger said:

Absolutely the daftest thing I've read today!

read this then :p 

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/07/21/fda_viagra_coffee/

 

with the amount of the black stuff i drink id be like a 19y.o. walking round with a boner 24/7 :p (at 45 lol)

  • Like 2
16 minutes ago, Mando said:

Im afraid it would never ever happen, MS make multiple millions from windows sales in the corporate space. end points and server and all the other backend gear revolving around Windows on x86. I

Try 14 billion a year - https://www.onmsft.com/news/microsoft-makes-money-revenues-broken-product-line

11 hours ago, Jim K said:

What's that saying ... when pigs fly?  I can not think of any scenario where Microsoft would sell off "Windows" ... especially when majority of their products revolve around it.

It would seem the majority of their products revolve around iOS and Android now. Windows 10 means nothing to them, or at least that's the image they put forward.

Anything is possible in science and technology. In a universe where MS can do nothing with Windows, I believe that the Windows division would be wound up rather than sell it to some other company. Even dead Windows is just too valuable to be sold. Selling Windows will happen only if MS as a whole fails, even then I believe Windows will be the last to be sold off. Even if it were sold, I expect it to carry a humongous price tag, even though it is no longer relevant. Something like a consortium of companies buying it or Windows could be broken off into small components relating to enterprise, consumer facing technologies, patents, among other things and companies can buy what suits them.

How will it fail? If some other company creates something proprietary of everything MS does now and everyone is transitioning to it. Open source wont do, If the entire world moves open source, then MS and Windows will still survive in some form. One needs something that undoes everything than MS does till now to make Windows fall. This is next to impossible for the next century, maybe more, because MS will keep evolving Windows.

Who will buy? (From current scenario) I expect Google (If they are doing well) to purchase as much as they can. Google wants to be the next Microsoft and will buy it. Apple, but then I won't be surprised if Apple pumps money into MS as a return gift to prevent Windows being sold. IBM, maybe if they existThere is also a possibility of OEMs like HP, Dell and Lenovo buying parts of Windows, especially for their enterprise business. Maybe even (future) smartphone vendors and networking companies or even patent trolls. It is also possible that some random Chinese holding firm buys it. The landscape changes too dramatically so we can say who the tech behemoth will be who is interested in it. Maybe nobody will interested to buy it too.

In short, It will either be a pie where everyone wants a piece, but not many want the whole pie. Or it will be a rotten pie.

What next? I would imagine MS putting that money to restructure what's left. Anything that's left, because that's all you can do. MS would want to stay in the enterprise space than the consumer space because it knows where the money is.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Here's how to grab your share of Apple's $4 billion lawsuit payout (if you qualify) by David Uzondu Image via DepositPhotos.com A UK tribunal has approved a collective legal action letting a $4 billion (£3 billion) claim against Apple proceed to trial after consumer rights group Which? formally accused the company of violating competition laws. The tribunal recently set a full trial date for October 2028. Which? filed the lawsuit way back in November 2024, accusing Apple of trapping users in iCloud by restricting rivals from fully accessing iOS. Apple gives users only 5GB of free space, and once that limit vanishes, the system drives upgrades by repeatedly nudging users through notifications. The group claims Apple overcharged millions who bought plans ranging from 99p a month for 50GB to £54.99 a month for 12TB. If Which? wins the now-greenlit lawsuit, the court will force Apple to pay out damages to roughly 40 million UK consumers, with each person receiving around £77 for the pricing abuse. Apple has already put out a statement telling Reuters that the allegations are completely false and that consumers do have choices. "We work hard to make iCloud a great experience, but no customer is required to use it, and customers in the UK have plenty of alternatives to choose from," it told the outlet. The good thing is that if Which? wins, claiming your share requires almost no effort due to the automatic structure of the litigation. You are eligible if you used Apple's iCloud services between November 8, 2018, and June 8, 2026, and paid for upgraded storage during that time. The tribunal automatically enrolls everyone living in the UK on June 8, 2026. The system operates on an "opt-out" basis, meaning you do not have to register right now, and you will just verify your details to collect your cash. However, if you want to leave the claim, you must notify Which? by October 8, 2026. But if you lived outside the UK on June 8, 2026, you must manually register on the official Which? website before October 8, 2026, to opt into the action. If you ignore this deadline, you will lose your chance to grab a share of the settlement. On a related note, Google recently had to resolve a massive data privacy fight by agreeing to a payout of over $170 million to Android users. In that lawsuit, plaintiffs argued that Google programmed the Android system to transmit user data without permission, wasting cellular data. To settle, Google agreed to pay a $135 million nationwide settlement alongside an extra $35 million in California. Eligible Android users must submit online claims to secure their cash, with the final approval hearing literally taking place today (June 23, 2026).
    • Microsoft outs Windows 11 KB5095093 with long list of new features by Sayan Sen Microsoft today has released its newest preview update (C-release) for the month of June 2026 under KB5095093, builds 26200.8737 (for Windows 11 25H2) and 26100.8737 (on Windows 11 24H2). The update brings new features across various elements of the OS including the Windows update, the Recovery, Widgets, File Explorer, and more. The full changelog is given below: First up we have the features rolling out gradually: [Point-in-time restore for Windows] New! This flexible recovery feature helps you quickly roll back your PC, including apps, settings, and personal files, to a recent automatic restore point. It helps reduce downtime and simplifies troubleshooting when issues occur. To learn more, see Point-in-time restore for Windows. [Windows Update] New! A calendar experience in Windows Update Settings (Settings > Windows Update) lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days. You can extend the pause by selecting a different end date and re‑pause updates as needed. For more information, see Pause updates in Windows. [Widgets] New! A quieter, more focused Widgets experience helps reduce interruptions and improves default settings and notification controls: Reduce distractions: Widgets no longer open on hover. Notifications and taskbar badges are minimized by default. Simpler: Open to the Widgets dashboard by default on first use. Customize: Configure Widgets how you want by selecting Settings in the navigation bar, then changing any of the default settings. Stay informed: Dashboard icons show the number of alerts, and badges clear automatically when you leave a dashboard. Adjusted defaults: Some default settings are preserved based on usage, while others adjust to reduce interruptions. Performance improvements: This update provides improved reliability, responsiveness, and visual quality across the Widget experience. [Accessibility] New! This update makes your screen easier to see and customizes your zoom experience: Screen tint: Apply a full-screen color overlay to help reduce eye strain and improve readability. Choose from preset tint options, adjust the intensity, or turn it on automatically. Find this feature in Settings > Accessibility. Magnifier: Enter a zoom percentage directly and change it in increments in the Magnifier window for more precise, flexible control. Magnifier settings menu: You can now also modify zoom increments directly from the magnifier bar instead of navigating to Windows Settings each time. [File Explorer] New! When you hover over a file in File Explorer Home, commands such as Open file location and Ask Copilot appear as quick actions. This experience is now supported for work and school accounts (Entra ID).1 Improves the speed and performance of File Explorer launch.2 Fixes an issue where the OneDrive shortcut in File Explorer stops working when File Explorer is run with administrative mode. The address bar now supports paths containing double backslashes and quotation marks (for example, C:\\Users\\user or "C:\Users\user"), improving compatibility with a wider range of inputs. The address bar suggestion dropdown is more reliable and now consistently closes after an item is selected. This update addresses an issue on File Explorer Home where OneDrive files could appear duplicated in the Favorites section. This update includes several refinements to the Rename experience: Addresses an issue where text was repeatedly selected when renaming items in folder views. Addresses an issue where case-only name changes were not immediately reflected in folder views for items stored locally or in the cloud. [Bluetooth] This update improves reliability and performance when connecting to and using Bluetooth devices: New! Windows now keeps the microphone mute state in sync between the audio mixer and the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for a more consistent experience with Bluetooth headphones with mute buttons or indicators. Accessory compatibility workarounds: Improves compatibility with specific Bluetooth audio devices, helping AirPods appear faster in pairing mode and improving microphone reliability on Beats Studio Pro headphones. Bluetooth audio stability: Improves overall Windows stability with certain PC manufacturer drivers (error code 0x9F). Improves Bluetooth reliability for voice calls when using Classic Audio devices with the Hands-Free Profile (HFP). Reduces time for LE Audio accessories to start playing audio while using the microphone. Device management: Windows will no longer show a “Remove failed” message when attempting to remove Bluetooth devices if the Bluetooth radio is unavailable or has changed since pairing. Settings experience: Improves stability when using the Bluetooth & devices settings page for a smoother, more consistent experience. Connection reliability and responsiveness: Reduces the time it takes for classic Bluetooth audio devices to reconnect after Windows resumes from hibernation. Improves reliability when LE Audio accessories disconnect, such as when another device (for example, a phone) connects. Improves reliability of LE Audio streaming after a connection is lost and restored. [Bluetooth and Phone Link] This update improves audio routing for calls made through a connected phone: When an outgoing call is dialed from a paired phone, audio remains on the phone while ringing and transfers to the PC only when the call is answered from the PC. When Do Not Disturb is enabled on Windows, incoming call audio from a paired phone no longer rings on the PC. [Voice access and voice typing] New! You can now use voice access and voice typing in French, German, and Spanish. As you speak, your PC improves your text in real time. It corrects grammar, punctuation, and recognition errors, and helps improve clarity—even in the presence of background noise. This makes dictation smoother and reduces the need for manual edits.3 [Audio] This update improves the reliability of the inbox HD Audio driver. [Taskbar] This update improves the reliability of opening the Start menu when selecting the left edge of the taskbar when the icons in the taskbar are left-aligned. [Networking] This update includes networking improvements for virtualized environments. Confidential Virtual Machines (CVMs) now use SR-IOV hardware acceleration by default for improved network throughput, and a configuration issue in nested Hyper-V virtualization network setup has been corrected to ensure reliable VM network provisioning. This update improves the reliability of the Windows networking stack. It reduces bug checks (blue screen errors) related to Wi-Fi power and improves cellular (WWAN) connectivity, including support for IPv6 VPNs. Compatibility with third-party VPN software and SR-IOV configurations on server hardware is also improved. Network adapter settings and bindings are now preserved across OS upgrades. [Printing] New! New printer installations use Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) by default when supported, simplifying setup and improving reliability. For details about third-party driver deprecation, see End of Servicing Plan for Third-Party Printer Drivers on Windows. To control this behavior, use the toggle in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and modernized driver selection. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and Modernized Driver Selection. [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)] The update improves usage of WSL in mirrored networking mode with VPNs. [Display and graphics] Improves the reliability of rendering content while scrolling for certain apps spanning across multiple monitors. Improves the reliability and persistence of applying color profiles. [Location services] This update changes how some location settings are displayed in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location to help with clarity. When location services are turned off, settings like Default location and Allow location override don't immediately apply, since location information is not given to apps or services. These settings will now be greyed out when location services are off to reduce confusion over when they take effect. [Search] This update improves the reliability of setting Search related group policies. [Input] New! You can now customize the size of the right-click zone in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. Choose from default, small, medium, or large to control how much of the bottom-right corner responds to a single-finger right-click. This setting is only available on touchpads with a pressable surface. If your device manufacturer provides customization through their own app, a Custom option will appear to reflect those settings. This update improves recognition of English characters when using Japanese handwriting. [General performance] Improves the time to shut down Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) when you turn off your PC. [General Reliability] ​​​​This update improves the reliability of explorer.exe. It addresses issues on the login and lock screens related to third-party credential providers, reduces the probability of taskbar icons appearing as blank gray placeholders, and improves navigation to Home in File Explorer during OneDrive sync. It also improves explorer.exe reliability when switching between desktops, enhances app launch with shell extensions, and using acrylic blur effects in the Start menu, Settings, and the lock screen. [Apps] Resolves an issue where some installers and applications could show unexpected elevation (UAC) prompts after installing KB5089549. [Remote Desktop] This update refreshes the dialog design when you enable Remote Desktop in Settings > System > Remote Desktop. [Graphics Kernel] Improves memory-management policy that allows PCs with more than 32GB of installed memory to run larger local AI models. Up next we have the features under normal rollout: [Secure Boot] With this update, Windows quality updates include additional high confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, maintaining a controlled and phased rollout. [Authentication] This update improves Netlogon secure channel connections between domain controllers, enabling successful connections from member servers to domain controllers set up before 2025. [Emoji Panel Update] The emoji panel (Windows key + period (.)) now uses GIPHY for GIF content following the deprecation of Google’s Tenor API. Starting June 30, 2026, install the latest Windows update to continue using GIFs in the Emoji panel. If you don’t update, you will see a "GIF service is not available" error in the panel. Installing the latest Windows update will restore access to GIFs. [Networking] This update improves how your device connects to shared network resources. Connections used by apps and system features, such as the NetUseAdd function, now work more reliably, including unauthenticated (null session) connections. [Recycle Bin (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where the confirmation dialog might display an internal Recycle Bin file name instead of the original file name when permanently deleting a file. This issue might occur after installing the June 2026 security update (KB5094126). [Taskbar] This update improves notification badge display across your apps. Notification counts and badge visuals now update correctly, helping you stay up to date with new activity. You can choose to manually download the update from Microsoft's update catalog website at this link.
    • Hands-on with BOOX Tappy: cute little reading accessory by Taras Buria Page turners are quite popular accessories for e-readers, as they enable a hands-free reading experience, which is particularly useful with large readers featuring 10-inch or larger displays. The BOOX Tappy is a new accessory that was introduced earlier this year, and we took this cute-looking thingy for a spin. The Tappy comes in a small box, with two additional buttons and a user manual. The device is made of glossy green plastic and resembles old appliances from the nuclear age. Material quality is great, and each part feels quite premium. Plastic is high-quality, the switch is nice to flick, and the buttons are not rattly. At the bottom, four rubberized feet prevent slipping when used on a desk. Unfortunately, there are no color options, and the Tappy is only available in green. It looks good, but I wish there were other options as well. There are two removable buttons, an on/off switch, and an LED indicator that displays connection mode, charging status, and more. The buttons resemble those of an old typewriter, with quite a long travel distance and a pleasant clack. In the box, you have four buttons with different icons: heart, coffee, O, and X. You can easily swap buttons by simply pulling them upwards. Tip: buttons come with plastic covers, but they are quite tricky to remove. It is hard to call the Tappy the most ergonomic remote control, but after fiddling with it for a few hours, I managed to find a comfortable hand position. Attaching a lanyard to it can make it more comfortable in use without the fear of dropping it, but unfortunately, the Tappy does not come with one. The Tappy connects via Bluetooth 5.2, and it works in three modes, which you can toggle by pressing and holding both buttons for about five seconds: Reading Mode Multimedia Mode Browsing Mode Next / Previous page Next / Previous Track Up / Down scroll If you pair the Tappy with a BOOX device (I tested it with the BOOX Go 10.5 Gen 2 Lumi), you will get small pop-ups indicating the current mode. Plus, you can customize what each button does when pressed one time, two times, or held for a few seconds. The list of available actions and features you can use is massive, and I like that BOOX lets you map stuff like brightness adjustment, app launching, screenshot-taking, screen rotating, navigation, and more. Note, however, that while you can use the Tappy with other readers, its customization is only available on BOOX devices running firmware version 4.2 and newer. I could not connect the Tappy to my computer (Windows 11 claims a driver error when I try), but it worked with the DuRoBo Krono that I recently reviewed. My Kindle Paperwhite refused to work with the Tappy, though, just like my iPhone. The Tappy uses a non-removable Li-Ion battery, which can be recharged with a Type-C cable. BOOX rates the remote for "weeks of use," and I can say that it indeed has very good battery life. While there are no battery indicators on the remote, you can see the current level in the status bar or in Input settings in the BOOX firmware. After a few days of active use, mine still shows about 95%. Overall, the Tappy left a nice impression. It is well-made, and the integration with BOOX devices is great. I also like that BOOX decided to have some fun with its design and swappable buttons. I cannot say I am a fan of its odd shape, though. Still, I managed to find a way to use it comfortably. And when not in use, it just looks neat sitting on the table doing nothing or serving you as a small clacky fidget. Buy BOOX Tappy - $29.99 on Amazon US As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • AdGuard Family lifetime deal now only $14.97 by Steven Parker Today's highlighted Neowin Deal comes via our Apps + Software section, where you can get a lifetime subscription and save 91% on a lifetime AdGuard Family Plan. AdGuard is a unique program that has all the necessary features for what they claim to be "the best web experience." The software combines the an advanced ad blocker, a privacy protection module, and a parental control tool—all working in one app. This software deals with annoying ads, hides your data from a multitude of trackers, protects you from malware attacks, and even lets you restrict your kids from accessing inappropriate content. Install AdGuard and see the internet as it was supposed to be: clean and safe. Get rid of annoying banners, pop-ups & video ads once and for all Hide your data from the multitude of trackers & activity analyzers that swarm the web Avoid fraudulent and phishing website and malware attacks Protect your kids online by restricting them from accessing inappropriate & adult content Good to know Family Plan Length of access: lifetime This plan is only available to new users Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Max number of devices: 9 Access options: desktop & mobile Software version: AdGuard Family Updates included A lifetime subscription of AdGuard Family Plan normally costs $169.99, but this deal can be yours for just $14.97, that's a saving of $157.02. For full terms, specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this AdGuard Family lifetime deal for just $14.97 (was $169.99) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. As an online publication, Neowin too relies on ads for operating costs and, if you use an ad blocker, we'd appreciate being whitelisted. In addition, we have an ad-free subscription for $28 a year, which is another way to show support! Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • Sadly "beats Steam Machine" isn't much of a brag.
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Month Later
      timbobit earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      nates earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Rookie
      dorf went up a rank
      Rookie
    • First Post
      mike_rumble earned a badge
      First Post
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      468
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      165
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      106
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      87
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      69
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!