Microsoft is increasingly shifting previously free AI features behind paywalls, suggesting a potential move toward a subscription model for Windows consumers. The Copilot feature Deep Research is being replaced with Researcher, which requires a subscription to Microsoft 365 Premium. Microsoft Whiteboard now requires a Microsoft Business account for personal users, and Outlook's Meeting Insight functionality was moved behind a paywall, requiring a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. The article notes a trend toward turning formerly free AI features into paid ones as Microsoft rejigs its Copilot offerings. The author expresses concern that AI agents, which are expected to become more prominent in Windows 11, could provide Microsoft with an opportunity to pivot from an upfront payment to a subscription model for consumers, similar to the existing subscription option for businesses.