Introduction
Google renews cloud complaint vs Microsoft — and this time it is pushing regulators to move faster. Google Cloud has publicly reminded EU and national regulators that it filed a formal complaint a year ago alleging Microsoft’s licensing terms disadvantage rival clouds. The reminder argues that customers face higher costs and reduced choice unless regulators step in.
The issue is significant
Google says restrictive licensing can make it far more expensive to run Windows Server workloads on non-Microsoft clouds, potentially locking customers to Azure.
Microsoft disputes that characterization and notes it has settled some earlier complaints. Regulators are now under renewed pressure to conclude whether Microsoft’s rules harm competition across Europe’s critical cloud market.
Google renews cloud complaint vs Microsoft to press EU action
Google Cloud’s government affairs team published a post marking one year since its complaint to the European Commission. The post said regulators have not taken effective steps and warned that unresolved licensing limits could shave growth from Europe’s digital economy. Google argued that fixing this could unlock as much as €1.2 trillion in additional EU GDP by the end of the decade if cloud competition improves.
What Google alleges and why regulators care
Google alleges Microsoft’s licensing allows big price increases — in some cases reported as up to 400% — for customers who run Windows Server on rival clouds. The effect, Google says, is to nudge customers toward Azure and reduce the market for competing cloud infrastructure.
Regulators care because cloud services underpin business computing, AI development and public-sector operations across Europe; limits on choice could raise costs and slow innovation.
Microsoft’s response and past settlements
Microsoft says it has worked with several European cloud providers to resolve concerns and has denied imposing prohibitive penalties. In 2024 Microsoft settled a related complaint with CISPE members for about €20 million, offering technical measures and compensation to some providers — but Amazon and Google have said the fixes did not fully address competition problems. That split of views is central to why the matter remains unresolved.
How the complaint could affect cloud customers and prices
If regulators find Microsoft’s licensing restricts rivals, they could require changes ranging from clearer licensing terms to structural remedies. That could lower costs for businesses that want to run Windows workloads on Google Cloud, AWS or other providers.
Conversely, if regulators decline action, customers may face continued vendor lock-in risks and higher migration costs. Short-term, cloud buyers should review license terms carefully and seek contractual protections.
What regulators are likely to consider
EU competition authorities will weigh market shares, the technical necessity of Microsoft’s license terms, and whether alternatives exist for customers. They may also look at how licensing affects cloud pricing, interoperability and the ability of smaller providers to compete.
The complaint intersects EU policy goals — from digital sovereignty to fair competition — making it politically sensitive as well as technically complex.
Industry reaction and wider stakes
Cloud rivals and some European cloud providers back Google’s push, saying stronger enforcement would boost competition and choice.
Microsoft and some partners argue heavy-handed remedies could disrupt licensing models and complicate enterprise IT transitions. The outcome could also shape how software vendors write cloud terms worldwide — a high-stakes decision for the global cloud market.
Final thought
By publicly reminding regulators about its complaint, Google is sharpening the spotlight on Microsoft’s cloud licensing. Regulators now face pressure to resolve a dispute that matters to cloud buyers, European digital policy and the shape of competition in a core technology market. Expect careful legal and technical analysis before any remedies are imposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Google renews cloud complaint vs Microsoft?
It means Google has publicly reminded regulators of the formal antitrust complaint it filed a year ago, urging action on Microsoft’s cloud licensing practices that Google says harm competition.
What is Google accusing Microsoft of?
Google alleges Microsoft’s licensing makes it much more expensive to run Windows Server on rival clouds, effectively steering customers to Azure and limiting competition.
Has Microsoft responded to the complaint?
Microsoft says it has addressed concerns with some providers and denies widespread anti-competitive pricing. It also settled a related CISPE complaint in 2024 for about €20 million.
What could regulators do if they find harm?
They could require licensing changes, enforce interoperability, or impose remedies to ensure fair access for rival cloud providers. Any action would be carefully tailored and could take months to years.
How should businesses respond now?
Companies should review licensing terms, model migration costs, and seek legal or procurement advice when negotiating cloud contracts to avoid surprise costs.
Author note: I’m a tech policy reporter drawing on Google Cloud’s blog post and reporting from Reuters and TechRadar. Where claims remain under investigation, I used cautious language and cited official posts and reputable reporting. I’ll update the piece if regulators publish findings or companies release new statements.