Windows 10’s official support is ending in October 2025, and Microsoft would be delighted if you’d just finally upgrade to Windows 11. The OS’ restrictive minimum requirements mean that not all Windows 11 users can upgrade. What is Microsoft doing about this? Telling people to buy a new PC, apparently.
Microsoft is stepping up its campaign to transition users from Windows 10 to Windows 11. If you happen to not have an upgrade available for Windows 11, the tech giant is now employing fullscreen prompts encouraging you to please consider buying one of all the new Windows 11 PCs that are currently being sold.
These prompts, which have been appearing on Windows 10 machines over the past weekend, highlight the benefits of “doing more with a new Windows 11 PC” and “leveling up to the new Copilot Plus PCs.” Clicking on the provided links directs users to a promotional website showcasing the latest Windows 11 devices.
Notably absent from these prompts is any mention of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for Windows 10. Consumers can, in fact, continue using Windows 10 securely beyond the October 2025 cutoff by paying $30 per year for ESUs. If you can’t upgrade to a new computer at this very moment, taking one of those ESUs is probably the best thing you can do.
Microsoft is pretty nosy about telling people to update to the newest operating system, but telling people to buy a new Windows 11 PC is a different kind of thing. You’ll eventually have to do it—if you take all ESUs you’ll still be left with nothing to upgrade at the end of them, unless you’re willing to move off Windows entirely. They should be seen as a band-aid more than a permanent solution.
Source: The Verge
