JAM Software, developer of the disk space analyzer TreeSize, has shifted its support policies for perpetual license holders, requiring subscription payments to continue receiving updates and assistance after the initial maintenance period expires. The company transitioned most TreeSize editions to subscription-based models beginning in 2025, now offering perpetual licenses only for personal use that include 12 months of updates, support, and access to older versions.
Customers with expiring perpetual licenses are encountering friction as they attempt to maintain their software access. One user shared correspondence indicating that support for their perpetual license was set to end in September, with continued updates and support available only through subscription. The situation has generated criticism on social media platforms, with users expressing frustration about losing access to updates for software they had previously purchased outright.
A significant point of contention involves JAM Software’s policy of not distributing installation files or license keys to customers whose support periods have lapsed. The company justifies this approach by citing security concerns and maintenance overhead associated with distributing older software versions that may contain bugs or vulnerabilities. Product manager Hendrik Christ noted that this practice predates the subscription model transition and reflects broader industry concerns about indefinitely supporting legacy software versions.
Christ attributed the policy shift to “current economic conditions,” emphasizing that the subscription approach provides JAM Software with the predictability needed to maintain product quality and support standards, particularly for business customers. He stated that perpetual license holders retain indefinite use of the software versions they purchased, arguing that refunds are not warranted. However, the disconnect between customer expectations regarding perpetual licenses and the company’s evolving business model has generated considerable user dissatisfaction, with some pointing to free alternatives like WinDirStat as viable options.
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