Users of the disk space analysis tool TreeSize are facing new limitations regarding support and updates for perpetual licenses, as JAM Software shifts its business model toward subscription-based services. Customers who purchased perpetual licenses—which traditionally allow for indefinite use of a specific software version—are finding that access to updates and technical support now requires an active subscription once their initial maintenance period concludes.
The transition, which began in 2025, marks a significant change in how JAM Software manages its product lifecycle. According to reports, the company no longer provides license keys or installers to perpetual license holders after their maintenance period expires, effectively locking users out of legacy support unless they opt into a recurring payment plan.
Licensing Changes and the Personal Edition
Despite the shift toward subscription models for enterprise and professional tiers, JAM Software maintains that it has no plans to discontinue perpetual licenses for the TreeSize Personal edition. Product manager Hendrik Christ confirmed this stance, noting that the personal version remains a fixture for individual users who prefer a one-time purchase model over recurring fees. This edition includes 12 months of updates and technical support, alongside access to older software versions and the user’s specific license key during that maintenance window.
The core friction arises when that 12-month maintenance period ends. While the user retains the right to use the software they purchased, the ability to receive patches, security updates, or technical assistance is tied to the maintenance contract. Once that expires, extending support generally necessitates moving to a subscription, a move that some users argue diminishes the “perpetual” nature of their original investment. The company’s policy of restricting access to installers and keys post-maintenance has further complicated the user experience for those who need to reinstall software on new hardware or recover lost credentials after their support coverage has lapsed.
The Broader Shift to Subscription Models
What Users Should Know About Maintenance Windows
For current TreeSize users, understanding the status of their maintenance window is essential to avoiding service interruptions. The maintenance period acts as a bridge between the initial purchase and the need for a renewal or subscription. If a user’s maintenance has already lapsed, they may find themselves unable to download the latest builds or access official support channels, regardless of their original purchase date.
Readers are invited to share their experiences with these licensing changes in the comments section below.
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