[jordand]

Last I read, it really doesn't now. Less than 10% of Microsoft revenue is Windows with growth stagnant. It's all about subscriptions and recurring revenue now driving growth. They might as well bundle a Windows licence with all Game Pass subscriptions.

[Gigachad]

Their money all comes from Azure, Office, and now AI services. Windows is just a platform to sell their other stuff now. Which has been reflected in the state of windows over the last 10 years.

[dpoloncsak]

So the business model doesn't strictly rely on Windows Licenses, but they're still using it as an entry into their ecosystem

[basilikum]

Well, they are using Windows to sell people that subscription. Windows is Microsoft's bazaar where you can't move 10 meters without being pestered about using $service.