With billions of users using Windows every day, how does Microsoft profit from them?

Microsoft Windows is the most popular computer operating system in the world today, and this dominance helps Microsoft make a lot of money. However, did you know that even when you use Windows 11 for free, you are still directly helping Microsoft make a lot of money? Below are some ways Microsoft earns money through Windows 11.

Selling licenses for Windows 11

Windows 11 offers users flexibility and many choices for installing the operating system on personal computers. Unlike , Microsoft chooses to sell Windows 11 licenses instead of requiring you to use their product. Purchasing a Windows 11 license is very easy, you can find them at the Microsoft Store or authorized retailers.

Every license sold worldwide generates profit for Microsoft. Moreover, Windows 11 PC manufacturers also have to pay Microsoft when pre-installing Windows 11 on their products, such as desktops and devices running their desktop Windows 11 operating system. Although you don't directly pay for the license when purchasing a computer, this cost is often factored into the final price of the product.

Thus, Microsoft leverages the installation of Windows 11 on all types of computers, from selling licenses to end users to fees from PC manufacturers, to generate substantial revenue. This underscores the importance of this operating system to Microsoft and how they capitalize on it to make money.

Selling subscription packages to Windows 11 users

As you delve into Windows 11, you'll have access to a range of applications and services developed by Microsoft, some of which require users to pay to use full features. Microsoft continuously advertises and promotes their subscription-based services through various apps and services.

Most of Microsoft's subscription-based services are currently available on major operating systems, including Apple's macOS. However, Microsoft is focusing more on promoting and integrating these services on Windows 11 than on competing platforms like macOS.

Popular subscription services like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 play a vital role in increasing Microsoft's revenue and providing users with an integrated ecosystem of applications and services, enhancing their digital experience on Windows 11 and other platforms.

Profits from Bloatware Applications

Applications not developed by Microsoft or bloatware, software that device manufacturers often pre-install on computers to profit from outside app developers. On Windows 11, when you discover any non-Microsoft-developed default apps on the operating system, third-party app developers may have paid the company for the opportunity for wider installation and attracting more users.

These bloatware applications usually do not directly harm your computer and, for example, some games like Candy Crush Saga, Spotify, Facebook, along with many other apps, are often pre-installed on Windows 11. However, bloatware is not limited to just Windows 11 as you may see them appear in other Microsoft apps and services. For instance, the Microsoft Edge web browser also comes with unnecessary software.

Profits from Advertising Displayed on Windows 11

All major companies leverage opportunities to profit from advertising, and Microsoft is no exception. In fact, optimizing revenue from advertising is an integral part of their business strategy. With billions of users worldwide, Windows is one of Microsoft's most successful products.

For this reason, displaying ads on the Windows 11 platform is considered an effective way to generate additional revenue. When you use Windows 11 and pay attention to details, you'll notice Microsoft advertising their apps and products within some of the operating system's applications. For example, you may see ads appear in apps like Weather, Photos, and many others.

Microsoft utilizes the Microsoft Advertising SDK to deploy these advertising campaigns. Furthermore, independent developers also have the opportunity to earn money by integrating this SDK into their apps. When you see ads in Microsoft's apps on your Windows 11 computer, it could be a source of income for Microsoft.

Windows 11 offers you customized and personalized ads, meaning the system will attempt to display ads that you may be interested in. To do this, Microsoft needs to collect some personal information from you. However, you have the option to disable all these ads if you want to experience Windows 11 without being bothered by ads.

Conclusion

Large corporations like Microsoft often meticulously calculate throughout the product development process. They always seek ways to generate revenue, profits to sustain the machinery. If you think you're using Windows 11 for free, you might be mistaken because you've also paid to purchase Windows 11 from the amount you own the computer.

• After nearly two years since its launch, less than 25% of users are using Windows 11

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