[danaris]

What software being taught in colleges today (outside of highly specialised niches) requires Windows?

Stats software is cross-platform or open-source.

Art programs are cross-platform or open-source.

Office suites are cross-platform or browser-based.

Unless you're specifically trying to learn Windows development, dev tools are cross-platform and open source.

15 years ago, what you describe was probably quite common. Today, it's almost completely disappeared.

[daemonologist]

When I was in college the exam nanny software required Windows, and not in a VM. (I had a Windows desktop at home, so I just remoted into that to take exams.) This was a few years ago but much less than 15.

Also most "professional" CAD software is Windows-only, which is going to affect a big chunk of engineering majors.

[hellweaver666]

Kid probably realised his friends all had windows machines that could serve double duty as a gaming machine and wanted some of that action.