I'm guessing they made the decision to make it evergreen too late in the process so they were still selling it over-the-counter as traditional shrink-wrap softw

I'm guessing they made the decision to make it evergreen too late in the process so they were still selling it over-the-counter as traditional shrink-wrap software. A Windows 10 license purchased directly from Microsoft lasts "forever" and can be transferred to a new computer. They won't make that mistake with the next Windows. I'm sure they will still offer the Home edition bundled with new computers and locked to that hardware. But I would bet money that for the next version of Windows, the Pro edition and any license not locked to a specific motherboard will only be available by monthly subscription. This will allow them to make it truly evergreen because they'll have permanent recurring revenue.