The slmgr.ini file in Windows 11 insider builds for the Canary channel has lines that point to a new subscription model Microsoft may use in Windows 11's successor, widely referred as "Windows 12". That file is used by the slmgr.vbs script which managing Windows licensing settings.
The lines look as follows.
L_MsgSubscriptionEdition="Subscription Issue: "
L_MsgSubscriptionType="Subscription Type: "
L_MsgSubscriptionTypeDBS="Device Based Subscription"
L_MsgSubscriptionTypeUBS="User Based Subscription"
L_MsgSubscriptionStatus="Subscription Status: "
L_MsgSubscriptionStatusActive="Active"
L_MsgSubscriptionStatusNotActive="Inactive but"
L_MsgSubscriptionStatusDisabled=" Disabled"
L_MsgSubscriptionExpiry="Subscription Expiration: "
L_MsgSubscriptionStatusExpired="Expired"
L_MsgSubscriptionExpiryUnknown="Unknown"
The next version of Windows, set to release in 2024, is now tested on the Canary channel. While Microsoft didn't yet reveal its marketing name and code name, it is known as "Windows 12" in media.
The new lines in the slmgr.ini file do not necessarily indicate that Windows 12 will be exclusively available via a subscription model. However, it may be used for some of new features. E.g. new AI-powered options like Copilot may require a subscription.
It is unlikely that Microsoft will drop the classic activation model soon. But there is still a chance to see a subscription-based OS distribution. The success of the Microsoft 365 subscription (formerly Office 365) suggests that a similar model can be used for Windows as well.
Source: Deskmodder, thecommunity
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