JAM Software, developer of the disk space analyzer TreeSize, has implemented a new policy requiring perpetual license holders to subscribe if they wish to receive support and updates after their initial maintenance period expires. The shift reflects the company’s transition since 2025 toward subscription-based business models for most TreeSize editions.
Currently, JAM Software sells perpetual licenses only for personal use, which include 12 months of updates, support, and access to older versions along with the license itself. However, once the initial support period ends, customers seeking continued access to updates and technical support must transition to a subscription arrangement. Product manager Hendrik Christ stated that the company has no plans to discontinue perpetual license sales for TreeSize Personal, but acknowledged the policy change has been “frustrating for some customers.”
A significant point of contention involves JAM Software’s longstanding refusal to provide installation files or license keys to users whose support periods have lapsed. The company justifies this by noting that older software versions may contain known bugs or security vulnerabilities and that maintaining indefinitely available downloads poses technical and organizational challenges. Christ emphasized that the company proactively notifies customers by email before support periods end, instructing them to back up their installation files and license keys independently.
The policy has generated substantial criticism on platforms like Reddit, where users have expressed frustration at losing access to software they purchased outright. When asked about refund requests, Christ maintained that customers receive what was contractually agreed upon—indefinite use of their purchased software version—and therefore refunds are not warranted. He framed the subscription shift as necessary to ensure TreeSize remains well-maintained and relevant over the long term, particularly for business customers who depend on reliable software.
The TreeSize situation reflects broader industry trends as software vendors increasingly adopt subscription models to generate predictable, recurring revenue. TreeSize offers a free version with limited functionality, though it lacks features such as duplicate file detection and comparison tools, and is not intended for business use.
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