An internal document from Microsoft states: Windows is expected to fully move to the cloud in the long term. However, this is alarming for many gamers.
In an internal Microsoft presentation on the state of the company from June 2022, Microsoft discussed the further development of Windows 365 to enable a complete operating system that can be streamed from the cloud to any device. This was reported by TheVerge.
The presentation was released as part of the ongoing hearing between the FTC and Microsoft. There is still a dispute over whether Microsoft can actually acquire Activision/Blizzard.
The increasing shift of Windows 11 to the cloud is referred to as a long-term opportunity in Microsoft’s “Modern Life” consumer sector, including leveraging “the power of the cloud and the client to enable enhanced AI-driven services and full roaming of people’s digital experiences.”
However, this very gaming strategy scares many gamers. Many gamers do not want to have “Windows in the cloud” that can only be used online. Many are reminded of Diablo 4, which also lacks an “offline mode.”
Gamers are reminded of the problems with Diablo 4
What are the concerns? On reddit the idea of a Windows system that is fully cloud-based is discussed with concern. One person explains:
Every PornHub video you watch. And every keystroke you make. Every DCMA you break. Every phone call with grandma that you make. I will be watching you. Microsoft.
For many gamers, it is a red flag that someone could observe every activity they are doing on their computer. After all, every action would not only land in the cloud, but Microsoft could analyze every keystroke and every video watched.
Additionally, there are further worries:
- If Microsoft’s servers fail for hours, how can one work or play?
- Microsoft could then charge a monthly fee for using cloud-Windows. A one-time license would then also be “outdated.”
Many gamers are also reminded of the problems with Diablo 4, which relies on an always-online copy protection. One person sarcastically notes:
I recently had so much fun when I couldn’t play Diablo 4 in single-player mode due to the online requirements… When I couldn’t boot up the one computer without online requirements… When I couldn’t start that one computer…
Many are wondering: Will I also have to wait for hours when I just want to play, because Microsoft can’t get its servers under control?
Suddenly some gamers are considering Linux
What would be the alternative? Some gamers are indeed considering whether they could give Linux a chance. Because if Windows is supposed to move to the cloud in the long term, Linux could at least be a free and permanently offline usable alternative.
And many games now run smoothly on Linux thanks to Proton and other programs. Also, the Steam Deck runs on Linux as its operating system and thousands of games now run smoothly.
Games like Diablo 4 can also be installed smoothly on the Steam Deck and, above all, played. And that is just one of them.
Tips and tricks around Windows: If you are currently (still) actively using Windows, then take a look at the following list. Here we present a whole range of free programs that everyone should have installed on their computer:
8 free programs you should definitely install on every computer
