The generic HEVC decoder was never free, what was free was the OEM version that comes pre-installed when you buy a new computer (Because the price is included in that).
But you always had to jump through hoops to get that version installed, it wasn’t ever something intended for end users.
I jumped ship over to Linux just in time then. 10 was bad, but serviceable and it got more stable in EOL. They’re going to ruin it even more with slop
And with things like selling HEVC support in their new media player, something that was free previously (and still free with VLC Player.
The generic HEVC decoder was never free, what was free was the OEM version that comes pre-installed when you buy a new computer (Because the price is included in that).
But you always had to jump through hoops to get that version installed, it wasn’t ever something intended for end users.