Microsoft uses draconian law to put Windows, the world's most-used operating system, completely outside the control of its users. Neither Windows users nor independent experts can view the system's source code, make modifications or fixes, or copy the system. This puts Microsoft in a dominant position over its customers, which it takes advantage of to treat them as a product.

By contrast, free software like the GNU/Linux operating system is developed by professional and volunteer communities working transparently, freely sharing their work with each other and the world. Users have meaningful influence over the software development process and complete choice over what code they run. This means the software usually treats them with respect. Even if a free software developer took a page from Microsoft's book and began abusing its users, it would have no way to keep them locked in -- when this happens, independent experts copy the source code, remove the offending bits and help people switch to the user-respecting version.

Pledge to switch to GNU/Linux or help a friend switch

Read about the campaign to upcycle Windows 7

Examples of Windows' abuses

• Windows 11 requires the use of a TPM, an example of treacherous computing. By requiring a TPM, Microsoft can impose more severe DRM on media, and refuse to install programs that Microsoft doesn't approve.
• Windows 11 requires a Microsoft account to be connected to every local user account, giving Microsoft more ability to spy on their users -- and correlate what they do on the machine with their personal identity.
• Windows 11 sends BitLocker hard drive encryption keys back to Microsoft by default.
• Windows' 10's privacy policy asserts the privilege to sell almost any information it wants about users, even creating a unique advertising ID for each user to sweeten the deal.
• Microsoft announced that, starting with Windows 10, it will begin forcing lower-paying users to test less-secure new updates before giving higher-paying users the option of whether or not to adopt them.
• Microsoft is reported to give the NSA special security tip-offs that it could use to crack into Windows computers.
• This is just the tip of the iceberg. To read more about Microsoft's mistreatment of its users, see the list on gnu.org.

Watch a short video about the free software movement

Materials specific to each recent version of Windows

• Life's better together when you avoid Windows 11
• The FSF's statement on Windows 10
• Upgrade from Windows 8
• Windows 7 Sins

Infographic

• Download as .svg. Free fonts used: Ostrich Sans Rounded, League Gothic, and Junction
• Download as horizontal .svg or half-page and square buttons.
• Translations of the infographic (many are the Windows 8 version)

Embed this image on your site

<a href="https://upgradefromwindows.org"><img src="//static.fsf.org/fsforg/graphics/windows-infographic_share.png" alt="Close Windows, Open Doors"/></a>