Nagware

Nagware is a type of software that persistently prompts users to purchase or register the product. It is commonly associated with shareware and trial software, where unregistered versions display recurring messages, splash screens, or pop-up dialogs urging the user to buy a license. In many implementations, certain features are limited or the program remains usable only after registration, while nag messages continue to appear at intervals.

The typical nagware mechanism involves modal dialogs, countdown timers, banners, or redirects to a registration page. Some programs deliver nagging after a trial period ends, others provide ongoing reminders upon startup or after a set period of use. The strength and frequency of the reminders vary, with some products offering a gentle nudge and others delivering frequent interruptions.

Historically, nagware emerged in the era of shareware distribution in the 1980s and 1990s, especially on DOS and early Windows platforms. The term is often used pejoratively by users who view the practice as intrusive, though proponents say it is a legitimate monetization method that helps fund software development and support.

Reception and impact vary: nagware can improve revenue for developers but may degrade the user experience and trust if the reminders are overly aggressive. In response, many modern products favor non-intrusive licensing models, freemium or fully free software with optional paid features, or licensing approaches that avoid aggressive nags while still offering a purchase path.