Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

User:Bingles

2026-03-26T21:56:41Z

Bingles: Created page with "what"

what

Valve

2026-03-26T21:54:37Z

Bingles: changes all occurrences of "compatability" to "compatibility". fixing minor typo throughout page

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game company known for distribution platform Steam and game series like Half Life, Portal, Team Fortress, and Counter Strike.
|Founded=1996
|Industry=Video game retail, Video game development, Video game hardware
|Logo=Valve_Corporation_Logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://valvesoftware.com/
}}[[wikipedia:Valve_Corporation|'''Valve Corporation''']] (also known as Valve Software) is a software distribution company, most known for being the owner of the distribution service [[Steam]]. Valve additionally develops tools frequently used by various professional and amateur creators, such as Source Filmmaker and the Source Engines, as well as manufacturing hardware items such as the [[wikipedia:Steam_Deck|Steam Deck]]. It was founded in 1996 by [[wikipedia:Gabe_Newell|Gabe Newell]] and Mike Harrington.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Positives==

==='''Contributing to the Wine compatibility layer (''2018.08.21 - Present'')'''===
On 21 August 2018, '''Valve''' released the first version of the {{Wplink|Proton (software)|Proton}} compatibility layer,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=2018-08-21 |title=Valve officially confirm a new version of 'Steam Play' which includes a modified version of Wine |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2018/08/valve-officially-confirm-a-new-version-of-steam-play-which-includes-a-modified-version-of-wine/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref> which was developed in partnership with {{Wplink|CodeWeavers}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmid |first=Jana |date=2022-02-25 |title=CODEWEAVERS’ PROTON SOFTWARE SAUCE POWERS STEAM DECK |url=https://www.codeweavers.com/about/news/press/20220225 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=CodeWeavers}}</ref> Proton is the fork of the {{Wplink|Wine (software)|Wine}}<ref name=":4" /> compatibility layer that allows [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] programs to run on {{Wplink|POSIX}}-compliant {{Wplink|operating systems}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris and macOS |url=https://www.winehq.org/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=WineHQ}}</ref> Proton's primary focus is to improve performance and compatibility of Windows games running on {{Wplink|Linux}} operating systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GitHub - ValveSoftware/Proton: Compatibility tool for Steam Play based on Wine and additional components |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/Proton |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Github}}</ref> It works by translating Windows specific {{Wplink|DirectX}} API calls to {{Wplink|Vulkan}}.{{Citation needed}}

As an effect of developing Proton, '''Valve''' and CodeWeavers have upstreamed a lot of upgrades and fixes to Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Larabel |first=Michael |date=2019-03-27 |title=A Lot Of Valve's Proton Work Is Landing Back In Upstream Wine |url=https://www.phoronix.com/news/Proton-Work-Back-In-Wine-4.2 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Phoronix}}</ref>

===Contributing to the FEX emulation layer (''2018 - Present'')===
On 12 November 2025, '''Valve''' announced the Steam Frame, an ARM based VR headset which will be running {{Wplink|SteamOS}}.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Lathan |first2=Patrick |last3=Makhnovets |first3=Vitalii |last4=Phetdara |first4=Tim |last5=Thang |first5=Jimmy |date=2025-11-14 |title=Valve Steam Machine, Desktop SteamOS, Steam Frame VR, & Controller {{!}} ft. Engineering Discussion |url=https://gamersnexus.net/news-pre-built-pc/valve-steam-machine-desktop-steamos-steam-frame-vr-controller-ft-engineering |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Gamers Nexus}}</ref> In order to to be compatible with most Windows {{Wplink|x86}} games, '''Valve''' will be using the FEX-Emu emulation layer alongside Proton.<ref name=":5" /> In an anniversary blog post, the FEX lead dev stated: <blockquote>I want to thank the people from Valve for being here from the start and allowing me to kickstart this project. They trusted me with the responsibility of designing and frameworking the project in a way that it can work long-term; not only for their use cases but also keeping it an open project that anyone can adapt for their own use cases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Houdek |first=Ryan |date=2025-11-28 |title=FEX seven year anniversary! |url=https://fex-emu.com/FEXiversary/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref></blockquote>FEX works by emulating x86 specific instructions to ARM64.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FEX-Emu – A fast linux usermode x86 and x86-64 emulator |url=https://fex-emu.com/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Steam users do not own their games (2024)===
In October 2024, Valve added a note to Steam's payment checkout screen which states: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam. For full terms and conditions, please see the Steam Subscriber Agreement.</blockquote> This is attributed to a law passed in California which requires storefronts to clearly state whether a consumer is purchasing a license for digital media.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam now says the ‘game’ you’re buying is really just a license |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214142023/https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The licenses are tied to the Steam account, so if the consumer loses access to the account they will lose all the licenses with it.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam's new disclaimer reminds everyone that you don't actually own your games, GOG moves in for the killshot: Its offline installers 'cannot be taken away from you' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117104943/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref> Steam forbids consumers from transferring their licenses to other accounts, even if the accounts are owned by the same person that purchased the license. Steam forbids consumers from allowing other people to use their Steam account, even if passed down via a will.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litchfield |first=Ted |date=2024-05-26 |title=You can't take it with you, but you can't leave it for someone else either: Valve says you aren't allowed to bequeath a Steam account in a will |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114134401/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>

This is in contrast to Steam's main competitor [https://www.gog.com/en/ GOG], which states on its payment checkout screen: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product on GOG grants you its Offline Installers, which cannot be taken away from you.<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Some games downloaded through Steam can be played without the Steam client running.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of DRM-free games |url=https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251121055931/https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |archive-date=21 Nov 2025 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Fandom}}</ref>

===PC version of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive replaced by Counter-Strike 2 (2023)===
Counter-Strike 2, previously available as a 'Limited Test' since March 22nd 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=2023-03-22 |title=Here's how to access the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214114651/https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>, released on September 27th 2023, replacing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on [[Steam]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=2023-09-27 |title=After 11 years of CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 has officially replaced the biggest game on Steam {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223173642/https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>. This removed access to Global Offensive for those who had purchased it, every mainline PC Counter-Strike game before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230014611/https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref>, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Condition Zero on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228102653/https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> and Counter-Strike: Source<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Source on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217184118/https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>) can still be purchased and played on [[Steam]] through a separate library entry so this was an unprecedented move from Valve.

A legacy version of Global Offensive called 'CS:GO Legacy' was released on October 10th 2023<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Legacy CS:GO Version |url=https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010111016/https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |archive-date=2023-10-10}}</ref> after backlash from the Counter-Strike community towards the Counter-Strike 2 launch and Global Offensive replacement. This version can only be accessed while Counter-Strike 2 is installed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=2023-10-13 |title=How to play CS:GO now that Counter-Strike 2 is out {{!}} PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |url-status=live |website=PCGamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211035203/https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref>. Valve committed to supporting this version of the game until January 1st 2024<ref name=":0" /> but in that support window ignored bug reports from the community such as Counter-Strike 2 servers appearing in the community server browser with no way to distinguish these servers from Global Offensive servers unless the server specified what game it was targeting in it's name. CS:GO Legacy received only one update<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Counter-Strike 2 History · Change #20663547 · SteamDB |url=https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |url-status=live |website=SteamDB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251020235311/https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref> during its support window and this update didn't contain any public update notes so it is unclear what this may have fixed.

After the support window for CS:GO Legacy ended, numerous problems started occurring with the game. Global Offensive servers stopped appearing in the CS:GO Legacy community server browser<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-08 |title=CS:GO Legacy servers being rejected from Steam / CS:GO Legacy server browser listings · Issue #4047 · ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |url-status=live |website=GitHub |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514162130/https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |archive-date=14 May 2025}}</ref> which meant that only external third party server browsers could be used to find Global Offensive servers and these servers have to be added manually unlike [[Steam]]'s server browser which finds and queries new servers automatically. As a point of comparison, the mainline PC Counter-Strike games released before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike, Condition Zero and Source) still have a functional server browser without needing third party intervention.

It also became impossible to use multiple weapons (M4A1-S, USP-S, CZ75-Auto, MP5-SD, R8 Revolver) in regular gameplay on vanilla servers without plugins as the loadout system used to switch between weapons and equip weapon skins was discontinued on CS:GO Legacy.<ref>[[File:CS-GO Legacy Inventory Message.jpg|thumb|Pop-up message after attempting to open the Inventory on the main menu of CS:GO Legacy, screenshot taken 23rd October 2025.]]
</ref> There was an unofficial method of re-enabling the loadout system so these weapons could be equipped and used in game but this method was patched in the May 8th 2025 Counter-Strike 2 update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Csgo_Legacy_2023 – BaseQ WiQi |url=https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=BaseQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105023533/https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |archive-date=5 Jan 2026}}</ref> Although patched for its intended purpose, some CS:GO Legacy community servers still require this method for players to join their servers.<ref name=":3" />
==Legal disputes==
Steam's predominance has led to Valve becoming involved in various legal cases.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam (service) |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(service)#Legal_disputes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228142840/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(service)#Legal_disputes |archive-date=28 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Dispute Title
!Year started and ended
(if concluded)
!Background Information
!Aftermath
!Related Articles
|-
|''ACCC v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Mar 2016 |title=Federal Court finds Valve made misleading representations about consumer guarantees |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=ACCC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013070949/https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |archive-date=13 Oct 2025}}</ref>
|2014–2016
|During this lawsuit, Valve was found by the Australian Federal Court to have refused to offer refunds for faulty or broken products.
|Users now have the ability to easily refund games they purchased, so long as they follow the refund policy.
|
|-
|''UFC Que Choisir v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Dec 2024 |title=Tough Times Ahead for Digital Video Game Resellers: French Supreme Court Ruling in UFC Que Choisir v. Valve |url=https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=Fox Mandal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204122942/https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |archive-date=4 Dec 2024}}</ref>
|2015–2019
(still disputed)
|UFC Que Choisir sued Valve on the grounds that users deserved to resell their digital licenses.
|Users in France had the right to resell their digital Steam library, overturned in October 2024.
|
|-
|''McLeod v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-04 |title=McLeod v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126102613/https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2016
|MacLeod started the first antitrust case against Valve Corp. over the sale of their games.
|Absorbed into another legal dispute; continues to be dismissed within Seattle courts.
|
|-
|''Wolfire Games v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-06 |title=Wolfire Games LLC v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202174447/https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |archive-date=2025-02-02 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2021–2022
|The first notable antitrust case against Valve's unfair market manipulation of their games.
|Absorbed into another dispute/now a [[class action lawsuit]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=28 Nov 2024 |title=The antitrust lawsuit against Steam is now a class action, and that could have big repercussions for Valve |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251118020850/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|
|-
|''Sean Colvin'' (and various others) ''v. Valve Corporation, CD Projekt S.A., CD Projekt, Inc., Ubisoft Entertainment S.A., Ubisoft, Inc., Ubisoft L.A., Inc., kChamp Games, Inc., Rust, LLC, and Devolver Digital, Inc.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=28 Jan 2021 |title=Popular Gaming Platform Accused of Abusing Market Power Through Contracts |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114174554/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|2021 - Unfinised
|Five individuals in California sued Valve (among various other publishers) over participating in anti-competitive behavior with the Steam platform, most notably over the sale of games for lesser prices on other platforms.
|Not concluded because of indefinite postponement by Valve.
|
|-
|''Bucher Law PLCC v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bucher Law Steam Lawsuit |url=https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174529/https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=LawGud}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Valve antitrust litigation |url=https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174522/https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Bucher Law Firm}}</ref>
|C.A. 2021 - Unfinished
|A companion to previous lawsuits against Valve over their anti-competitive monopoly, this time covering consumers over their purchase of games on Steam.
|Not concluded, slowly being arbitrated.
|
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Valve Corporation]]

Microsoft Windows

2026-03-26T21:40:13Z

Bingles: added an L, fixing typo lol

{{StubNotice}}{{ProductCargo
|Company=Microsoft
|ProductLine=Operating system
|ReleaseYear=1985
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Software, Operating System
|Website=https://windows.com/
|Description=Microsoft Windows product series and their impact on consumers
|Logo=Windows logo.svg}}
'''Windows''' is a product line of proprietary graphical operating systems developed and marketed by [[Microsoft]]. The first version of Windows was released in 1985 as a GUI for MS-DOS. Later, in 1993, Windows was released as a standalone operating system running on the Windows NT kernel. It is grouped into families and subfamilies that cater to particular sectors of the computing industry – Windows (unqualified) for a consumer or corporate workstation, Windows Server for a server and Windows [[Internet of things|IoT]] for an embedded system. Windows is sold as either a consumer retail product or licensed to third-party hardware manufacturers who sell products bundled with Windows.

==Consumer-impact summary==
===User Freedom===
A forced link to a Microsoft Account is required to use the OS. Users can no longer create local accounts since Windows 11 without using any third-party software to modify the OS.

Since Windows 10, updates are forced and cannot be disabled, only postponed.{{Citation needed}}

[[OneDrive]] does forced file synchronization without user's consent and redirects basic personal file addresses to OneDrive's addresses.

===User Privacy===
Telemetry and data collection has increased since Windows 7. {{Citation needed}}
Since Windows 10 the telemetry is forced and cannot be disabled completely without modifying system component with third-party tools.

An AI-powered tool named Recall has raised several privacy and security concerns due to their ability to take constant screenshots of the whole screen after a certain period of time. These screenshots could contain sensitive user's info, such as passwords or credit card info that can be taken and used against the user.

===Business Model===
Windows operating system comes pre-installed with an active license on most new desktop computers. Windows licenses can also be acquired by doing an one-time purchase.

Since Windows 10, the operating system started to include [[bloatware]] and integrated ads about Microsoft services on system tools like Settings or File Explorer. Users also might get ads on the lock screen, desktop and as notifications.

===Market Control===
According to StatCounter, Windows is the most used operating system on desktop computers as of February 2026 (67%). Its two main competitors are [[Apple |OS X (MacOS)]] (11%) and [[wikipedia:Linux|Linux]] operating systems (3%). <ref>{{Cite web |publisher=StatCounter |date=Feb 2026 |title=Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/kwLFI |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=statcounter.com}}</ref>

==Telemetry==

Windows 10 and 11 are configured to send telemetry by default{{Citation needed}}. Users can only switch it to a reduced mode, but there is no way to disable it completely without resorting to tools and techniques beyond what most normal users have the technical knowledge to implement (disabling services, setting registry keys and group policies, blocking communication using firewalls etc.){{Citation needed}}. Automatic system updates are know to re-enable some of the corresponding components without warning{{Citation needed}}.

Only certain editions like the Enterprise version have options to switch it off, but a study conducted by the German ministry of information security in 2018 suggests that even this does not stop telemetry data collection completely.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schulz |first=Hajo |date=2018-11-20 |title=BSI untersucht Sicherheit von Windows 10 [German] |url=https://www.heise.de/news/BSI-untersucht-Sicherheitseigenschaften-von-Windows-10-4227139.html |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=Heise Online |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114012342/https://www.heise.de/news/BSI-untersucht-Sicherheitseigenschaften-von-Windows-10-4227139.html |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Telemetry covers a wide variety of system information as well as a multitude of user interactions. Microsoft can configure remotely which and how much data and is collected from a particular system{{Citation needed}}. This can go up to a level where all key presses are transmitted in real time. This makes telemetry very intransparent and difficult to monitor since the kind of data being collected could change at any moment without notice.{{Citation needed}}

This raises concerns of privacy and security, especially so for international users in light of the United States Cloud Act{{Citation needed}}. Moreover, it is not uncommon in certain countries for the home editions of Windows and Office to be used in places like medical facilities{{Citation needed}}.

Telemetry collection is also associated with excessive disk usage and SSD wearout. Particularly the DiagTrack and CompatTelRunner components are known offenders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khanse |first=Anad |date=2025-10-10 |title=Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High CPU; How to disable CompatTelRunner.exe |url=https://www.thewindowsclub.com/what-is-compattelrunner-exe-on-windows-10 |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=TheWindowsClub |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250803120558/https://www.thewindowsclub.com/what-is-compattelrunner-exe-on-windows-10 |archive-date=3 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=FRIEDMOZART |title=100% Disk Usage - Please Help ! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/5hpym1/100_disk_usage_please_help/ |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230605155718/https://old.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/5hpym1/100_disk_usage_please_help/ |archive-date=5 Jun 2023}}</ref>

Given the scale of Windows and Office deployments, the cumulative energy consumed by collecting, transmitting, storing and processing this data across the globe is also an environmental concern.

==Incidents==
===Forced upgrades to Windows 10===
In 2015, users reported their Windows 7 and 8.1 computers with automatic updates enabled were upgraded to Windows 10 without the users' notice, by enabling by default the option to upgrade to Windows 10. If the process of upgrading to Windows 10 starts, any attempt to stop it could make the computer unusable.

Microsoft then replied claiming the option to upgrade to Windows 10 was enabled by default because of a "mistake". <ref>{{Cite web |last=Leonhard |first=Woody |date=16 Oct 2015 |title=Microsoft ‘accidentally’ upgrades Win7 and 8.1 PCs to Windows 10 |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/1623017/microsoft-accidentally-upgrades-win7-and-81-pcs-to-windows-10.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/whnGh |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=ComputerWorld}}</ref>

===Windows 10===

====Forced Updates====
Beginning with ''Windows'' ''10'', end users can no longer selectively choose updates. Instead, updates are automatically scheduled when a computer is inactive or before the system is shut down.<ref>[https://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300077576/did-microsoft-just-backtrack-on-forced-updates-for-windows-10 "Did Microsoft Just Backtrack On Forced Updates For Windows 10?"] - crn.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251126094745/https://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300077576/did-microsoft-just-backtrack-on-forced-updates-for-windows-10 Archived])</ref> This has also led to some systems being rendered unusable because of bugged updates that cannot be avoided.<ref>[https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-10-update-is-bricking-pcs-uninstall-this-right-now "Windows 10 update is 'breaking' PCs — what to do now"] - tomsguide.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251219014900/https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-10-update-is-bricking-pcs-uninstall-this-right-now Archived])</ref><ref>[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-update-bricked-my-bios-thought-to-be/a1f0ebc7-d20d-459f-9956-72a3f98ca432 "Windows update bricked my bios ?? Thought to be impossible ?"] - answers.microsoft.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171954/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-update-bricked-my-bios-thought-to-be/a1f0ebc7-d20d-459f-9956-72a3f98ca432 Archived])</ref> Some users have resorted to disabling updates in ''Windows registry editor'',<ref>[https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-stop-win10-update.html "How to Stop Windows 10 Update Permanently – 7 Ways"] - minitool.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251007100904/https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-stop-win10-update.html Archived])</ref> though this prevents them from receiving security updates, which can make their systems vulnerable to attacks.

====Resetting preferences during updates====
During some ''Windows'' updates, the preferences users have set on applications that they have installed, will end up being reset to their default settings.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/n1hoz0/windows_please_stop_changing_my_settings_with/ "Windows: PLEASE STOP CHANGING MY SETTINGS WITH UPDATES"] - reddit.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20210429235550/https://old.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/n1hoz0/windows_please_stop_changing_my_settings_with/ Archived])</ref><ref>[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-10-updated-and-reset-all-of-my-settings/529ffb03-edd4-4be2-9412-50e3271fa8fe "Windows 10 updated and reset all of my settings and preferences."] - answers.microsoft.com - 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171948/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-10-updated-and-reset-all-of-my-settings/529ffb03-edd4-4be2-9412-50e3271fa8fe Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.minitool.com/news/windows-settings-are-reset-after-reboot.html "Windows Settings Are Reset After Reboot? Best Fixes Here!"] - minitool.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251203000038/https://www.minitool.com/news/windows-settings-are-reset-after-reboot.html Archived])</ref> Users have reported that this issue goes as far as resetting permissions for apps,<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/y0ksm0/why_are_my_settings_changed_after_every_update/ "Why are my settings changed after every update?"] - reddit.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221010212959/https://old.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/y0ksm0/why_are_my_settings_changed_after_every_update/ Archived])</ref><ref>[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/why-do-updates-remove-personalization-settings/0f1badb2-7486-4d31-b687-39913795aa8f "Why do Updates Remove Personalization Settings"] - answers.microsoft.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171940/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/why-do-updates-remove-personalization-settings/0f1badb2-7486-4d31-b687-39913795aa8f Archived])</ref> which can be extremely risky for insecure software.

====Bloatware====
{{see also|Bloatware}}

Since Windows 10, some applications that the user might not want to install come pre-installed in the system were pre-installed in a copy of Windows. An example of a bloatware application that came pre-installed is Candy Crush.
This may also force users to agree to licensing terms, for instance when interacting with forcibly installed software to remove it.

Some non-essential applications like the [[Microsoft Edge]] browser cannot be uninstalled without using third-party tools.

====Forced Arbitration====
When ''Windows'' ''10'' is installed from the ISO that can be downloaded from Microsoft, the EULA explicitly mentions forced arbitration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Software License Terms |url=https://www.microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/usetm/documents/windows/10/oem-pre-installed/UseTerms_OEM_Windows_10_English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729194240/https://www.microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/usetm/documents/windows/10/oem-pre-installed/UseTerms_OEM_Windows_10_English.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-29 |access-date=2025-08-11 |page=6 |quote="If we can’t [informally resolve a dispute], you and we agree to binding individual arbitration before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), and not to sue in court in front of a judge or jury."}}</ref>

====Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program====
In response to the criticisms aimed at the hardware requirements associated with Windows 11, Microsoft has opted to provide consumers with the option to take advantage of their Windows 10 ESU program. The Windows 10 ESU program will allow users to continue receiving security updates for 1 year, but not without a cost (unless you live in the EU <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowden |first=Zac |date=2025-09-25 |title=Microsoft outlines requirements for its free Windows 10 EOL extended support program in Europe — Microsoft account check-in every 60 days, or have access revoked |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/windows-10-free-esu-eea-requirements-revealed-microsoft-account-60-days |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250929125619/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/windows-10-free-esu-eea-requirements-revealed-microsoft-account-60-days |archive-date=2025-09-29 |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Windows Central}}</ref>).

For those outside of the EU, the cost associated with entering the Windows 10 ESU is one of the following:

*Enable Windows Backup to sync device settings to your attached [[Microsoft account]].
*Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
*One-time $30 (or equivalent) payment.

Source for Windows 10 ESU cost options: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/extended-security-updates

===Windows 11===
''Main article: [[Microsoft Windows 11]]''

====TPM 2.0 chip requirements====
{{see also|Trusted computing}}

Microsoft updated their system requirements to include ''Trusted Platform Module 2.0'' (TPM) support as a mandatory requirement for upgrading to ''[[Windows 11]]''. This would require either a TPM-compatible CPU, or a separate TPM-dedicated chip to be installed on the motherboard, however some users were able to circumvent this requirement by editing the registry.<ref>[https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/bypass-tpm-and-install-windows-11-on-unsupported-hardware/ "Bypass TPM and Install Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware"] - starwindsoftware.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260204194259/https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/bypass-tpm-and-install-windows-11-on-unsupported-hardware/ Archived])</ref> This change resulted in many customers selling or discarding their otherwise functional computers and hardware that did not meet the new system requirements.<ref>[https://securityonline.info/windows-11s-tpm-2-0-free-software-foundation-fights-forced-upgrades-and-e-waste/ "Windows 11’s TPM 2.0: Free Software Foundation Fights Forced Upgrades and E-Waste"] - securityonline.info - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171949/https://securityonline.info/windows-11s-tpm-2-0-free-software-foundation-fights-forced-upgrades-and-e-waste/ Archived])</ref> Microsoft has been frequently reminding users of ''[[Windows|Windows 10]]'' to upgrade their hardware to be compatible with ''[[Windows 11]]'',<ref>[https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-revives-pop-ups-in-windows-10-to-push-windows-11-upgrades "Microsoft Revives Pop-Ups in Windows 10 to Push Windows 11 Upgrades"] - pcmag.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251230223956/https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-revives-pop-ups-in-windows-10-to-push-windows-11-upgrades Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-embarrasses-itself-with-windows-10-pop-up-that-hogs-the-desktop-urging-an-upgrade-to-windows-11-then-promptly-crashes "Microsoft embarrasses itself with Windows 10 pop-up that hogs the desktop urging an upgrade to Windows 11 – then promptly crashes"] - techradar.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251224021647/https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-embarrasses-itself-with-windows-10-pop-up-that-hogs-the-desktop-urging-an-upgrade-to-windows-11-then-promptly-crashes Archived])</ref> which has caused many users frequent agitation.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoft/comments/19dvs9k/any_way_to_disable_the_upgrade_to_windows_11_ads/ "Any way to disable the "upgrade to Windows 11" ads?"] - reddit.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251016073816/https://old.reddit.com/r/microsoft/comments/19dvs9k/any_way_to_disable_the_upgrade_to_windows_11_ads/ Archived])</ref>

Some advocacy groups, such as the [https://endof10.org/ End of Windows 10 campaign] , have encouraged users with older PCs to switch to Linux instead.

====Recall====
{{Main|Microsoft Copilot's recall feature}}

In 2024, Microsoft unveiled ''Recall'' for ''Copilot+ PCs'', marketed as a way for users to search through what they have done on their computer by recording their screen. This sparked controversy,<ref>[https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsofts-controversial-recall-feature-for-windows-11-could-already-be-in-legal-hot-water "Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature for Windows 11 could already be in legal hot water"] - techradar.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251002141424/https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsofts-controversial-recall-feature-for-windows-11-could-already-be-in-legal-hot-water Archived])</ref> especially among security experts<ref>[https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Privacy-and-security-risks-surrounding-Microsoft-Recall "Privacy and security risks surrounding Microsoft Recall"] - techtarget.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251209084156/https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Privacy-and-security-risks-surrounding-Microsoft-Recall Archived])</ref> who worried about the security of screenshots,<ref>[https://news.sky.com/story/microsoft-ai-feature-investigated-by-uk-watchdog-over-screenshots-13141171 "Microsoft AI feature investigated by UK watchdog over screenshots"] - news.sky.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251002141809/https://news.sky.com/story/microsoft-ai-feature-investigated-by-uk-watchdog-over-screenshots-13141171 Archived])</ref> since it could easily document private information like social-security numbers, bank-account information, and passwords, as well as user browsing behavior. A ''Python'' script was developed, called "''TotalRecall''", that collects the screenshots and descriptions of these recordings,<ref>[https://github.com/xaitax/TotalRecall "TotalRecall - a 'privacy nightmare'?"] - github.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251202013433/https://github.com/xaitax/TotalRecall Archived])</ref> proving the danger of ''Recall''. This feature was delayed after backlash from users.<ref>[https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/06/microsoft-recall-delayed-after-privacy-and-security-concerns "Microsoft Recall delayed after privacy and security concerns"] - malwarebytes.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251229124341/https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/06/microsoft-recall-delayed-after-privacy-and-security-concerns Archived])</ref>

In 2025, Microsoft re-released ''Recall'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Corbin |date=Apr 25, 2025 |title=Windows Recall Is Finally Rolling Out After Controversal Reveal |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/windows-recall-is-finally-rolling-out-after-controversal-release/ |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=How to Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218203614/https://www.howtogeek.com/windows-recall-is-finally-rolling-out-after-controversal-release/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> with claims that the tool has resolved the security flaws and it coming disabled by default.<ref>{{Cite news |last=LeClair |first=Dave |date=Apr 11, 2025 |title=Microsoft Recall is rolling out following major controversy — what you need to know |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/microsoft-recall-is-coming-for-real-this-time |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=Tom's Guide |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251119223853/https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/microsoft-recall-is-coming-for-real-this-time |archive-date=19 Nov 2025}}</ref> However, despite integrating better security, having this feature enabled continues to pose privacy risks for consumers, as it is only a matter of when a vulnerability is discovered for the problems both consumers and businesses initially had with the tool to resurface,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Nick |date=May 5, 2025 |title=Turn Off Windows' Recall to Protect Your Privacy |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-disable-recall/ |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=How to Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260110141040/https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-disable-recall/ |archive-date=10 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Piltch |first=Avram |date=2025-08-01 |title=Tested: Microsoft Recall can still capture credit cards and passwords, a treasure trove for crooks |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/01/microsoft_recall_captures_credit_card_info/ |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218063254/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/01/microsoft_recall_captures_credit_card_info/ |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref> especially since it is difficult for users to inspect the screenshots that are taken by the tool.

====Family Safety====
{{Main|Microsoft's anticompetitive practices}}

A feature seen within ''[[Windows 11]]''<nowiki/>'s parental controls is Family Safety. A key problem shown from this feature is that it can questionably ban certain applications from properly running on the device, with no notice to the administrator in charge of the device. In '''June 2025''', this feature banned the string "Chrome",<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=u/Witty-Discount-2906 |date=Jun 3, 2025 |title=Chrome won’t open (Windows 11) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/chrome/comments/1l2c552/comment/mvt1w2a/ |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> which blocked the web browser [[Google Chrome|''Chrome'']] from functioning.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=Jun 20, 2025 |title=Microsoft is blocking Google Chrome through its family safety feature |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/690179/microsoft-block-google-chrome-family-safety-feature |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103122727/https://www.theverge.com/news/690179/microsoft-block-google-chrome-family-safety-feature |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref> Schools in particular use this feature on devices given out for students to complete classwork remotely, and as [[Google Chrome|''Chrome'']] holds the majority market share of web browser usage, (65-70%)<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2025 |title=Browser Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share/ |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |website=Statcounter |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219184141/https://gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref> there has been mass reports of students being unable to complete their classwork strictly due to this flaw.<ref name=":04">{{Cite news |last=Priestley |first=Peter |date=Jun 4, 2025 |title=Microsoft Family Safety Blocking Chrome Browser |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_11-wintop_famsafety/microsoft-family-safety-blocking-chrome-browser/40023ef5-177b-4eed-a857-80ed15afa3a5?rtAction=1749008739548&page=1 |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=Microsoft Answers}}</ref>

Currently, Microsoft has neglected to inform users on rolling out a fix in the future,<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2025 |title=[User Feedback - Stable] M137 Windows - Increase in feedback about crashing |url=https://issues.chromium.org/issues/422222571 |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |website=Chromium issues |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215065440/https://issues.chromium.org/issues/422222571 |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> and the only solutions available to users is to either rename the executable on the affected device<ref name=":3" /> or disable "Block inappropriate browsing" inside the ''Family Safety'' settings.<ref name=":04" />

====Removal of WordPad====
Starting with Windows 11, version 24H2, [[wikipedia:WordPad|WordPad]], a word processor included with every version of Windows since [[wikipedia:Windows_95|Windows 95]] was removed and would not be included with future clean installations. Microsoft recommended users to use [[wikipedia:Microsoft_Word|Microsoft Word]] for rich text documents like .doc and .rtf, and [[wikipedia:Windows_Notepad|Windows Notepad]] for plain text documents like .txt. Microsoft Word is included with Microsoft 365 for $69.99 a year, or with Office 2024 with a one-time purchase of $149.99.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Oct 4, 2024 |title=RIP: Windows 11 Update Officially Removes WordPad |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/rip-windows-11-update-officially-removes-wordpad |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=PC Mag |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251002140136/https://www.pcmag.com/news/rip-windows-11-update-officially-removes-wordpad |archive-date=2 Oct 2025}}</ref>

====Microsoft account increasingly required====
{{See also|Microsoft ends use of "bypassnro.cmd" for Windows 11}}

Increasingly difficult to use a local account rather than a Microsoft account for installation and use of Windows.

[[File:MSInstall.png|thumb|An image of a Windows 10 installation, to illustrate the effort required to make an account unattached to a Microsoft account.]]
Numerous [[dark patterns]] have been implemented in the form of vague language and a confusing user interface, which hides the option to create a local-user without a Microsoft account under sub-menus and small text. This implementation, first launched under Windows 10 in 2015, continues into the [[Windows 11]] installation process. In March 2025, Microsoft announced that the creation of a Microsoft account would be [[Forced account|mandatory]] when downloading Windows 11, claiming that the decision would tighten security and streamline the user experience (see [[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-28 |title=Windows 11 Enforces Mandatory Microsoft Account for Setup: What You Need to Know |url=https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-11-enforces-mandatory-microsoft-account-for-setup-what-you-need-to-know.358519/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Windows Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222014631/https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-11-enforces-mandatory-microsoft-account-for-setup-what-you-need-to-know.358519/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> On occasion, Microsoft accounts have been unilaterally disabled by Microsoft. The default experience with a Microsoft account and trusted computing is that if something goes wrong with the computer, you are likely to lose all your data. Experienced users know to backup credentials to minimize this risk, however Microsoft sets most users up for failure.

====Discontinued support for Windows Mixed Reality (WMR)====
{{Main|Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation}}

Beginning with [[Windows 11]] version ''24H2'', Microsoft no longer supports Windows Mixed Reality, and all support for the platform will end November 1, 2027. This affects device models from manufacturers including ''[[Samsung]]'', ''[[HP Inc.|HP]]'', ''[[Lenovo]]'', ''[[Acer]]'', ''Dell'', and Microsoft - including their own flagship device, Microsoft ''HoloLens''. Users who wish to continue using these devices must either use Windows 10 or block the ''24H2'' update from being installed.<ref>https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/hp-reverb-g2-windows-11-24h2-not-working-need-help/dd90e232-1f28-4655-aafa-685285017d59 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171951/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/hp-reverb-g2-windows-11-24h2-not-working-need-help/dd90e232-1f28-4655-aafa-685285017d59 Archived])</ref>

==See also==
*[[Microsoft]]
*[[Microsoft Edge]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]