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'UpgradeSubscription.exe' File In Preview Build Hints At Windows 10 Subscriptions (zdnet.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the mystery-box dept.

An anonymous reader writes: A file named "UpgradeSubscription.exe" is found buried in the System32 folder of Windows 10 build 14376, alongside 590 other .exe files. ZDNet reports the file has been part of other recent preview builds, but just recently uncovered. "In the file's properties, it's described as the Windows Upgrade to Subscription Tool, and its date and time stamp corresponds to other administrative tools in the same build," reports ZDNet. You can view the screenshot here. Microsoft responded to ZDNet saying: "The Windows Upgrade to Subscription tool, found in the latest Windows Insider builds, helps to manage certain volume licensing upgrades from Windows 10 Pro Anniversary Update to Windows 10 Enterprise. This binary file is not associated with the free consumer upgrade offering nor is it applicable to consumer Windows editions." When pressed for additional details, Microsoft responded with, "No further comment." While the file does nothing, it does appear to confirm that it's related to licensing, referencing a registry value called AllowWindowsSubscription. Build 14376 reveals a few references to servicing packages named Microsoft-Client-License-Platform-Upgrade-Subscription-Package. Last year, there was some talk about Windows 10 being the last version of Windows as Microsoft is pushing a "Windows as a service" vision. When news broke in April about Windows Phone's sharp revenue declines, PCWorld reported that CEO Satya Nadella's strategy is to grow Microsoft's revenues by convincing customers to adopt its paid subscription services.

6 of 285 comments (clear)

  1. Re: Goodbye Subscription Windows..... by Bing+Tsher+E · · Score: 3, Funny

    It sounds like you almost already have.

  2. Re:What Will "Cancel My Subscription" Do? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    It will encrypt all your data until you buy a license key. If you kept backups, the FBI will arrest you as a terrorist and you'll go to jail for 20 years. Hans Reiser will be your cell mate. Richard Stallman will visit every 3rd Tuesday to gloat about how he warned you in 1997 and you didn't listen.

  3. Re:Goodbye Subscription Windows..... by zenlessyank · · Score: 4, Funny

    Then you can change your name to WindowsIsGarbager.

  4. Again by sjames · · Score: 5, Funny

    MS is poised to once again make a Moderately funny joke into reality.

  5. Re:This was expected by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Windows 10. So many issues it now has subscriptions.

  6. Re:Office365 -- Windows365 by Sir+Holo · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's not too shocking right?

    I'm in the market for a new kitchen table. Any ideas on where I can rent one for the next 20–30 years?