Over the weekend, Microsoft had to pull its major fall update to Windows 10 after it emerged that the new software was deleting files wile upgrading. And, in a move that you have to assume wasn’t pre-planned, Microsoft also increased the cost of Windows 10 Home edition to $139 if you want to buy it new, up from $119.
Microsoft is the only company that still charges money for a major operating system. Apple long ago gave up charging for macOS or iOS, although that situation is a little different since you have to buy Apple hardware to run macOS. Android and Chrome OS, however, don’t cost users anything, so Microsoft is increasingly isolated with its Windows pay-to-play system.
Of course, even Microsoft is making some accomodations for the times. Windows 10 was a free upgrade for anyone already running Windows 8, and since most people buy pre-computers that come with Windows installed, the only ones buying Windows 10 are people who build their own systems, or want to dual-boot from a MacBook.
The bad news is that going forwards, the price of the cheapest version of Windows 10 has gone up by $20. That price has already taken effect on Microsoft’s own online store, but right now, you can still get physical install media for a lower price. On Amazon, you can get the OEM version of Windows 10 on a DVD for $98, and the USB flash drive version is $119 with Prime shipping. If you’re considering building a new PC in the near future, it might be worth snagging right now before prices go up.
