As the October 14, 2025, end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches, Microsoft is intensifying efforts to transition users to Windows 11. A central component of this strategy is the promotion of Copilot+ PCs, a new category of devices designed to leverage advanced AI capabilities and deliver enhanced performance.
Understanding Copilot+ PCs
Copilot+ PCs represent Microsoft's vision for the future of personal computing, integrating AI-driven features directly into the hardware. These devices are equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that enable efficient on-device AI processing, reducing reliance on cloud services and enhancing responsiveness. Key features of Copilot+ PCs include:
- Windows Recall: An AI-powered feature that captures and stores snapshots of user activity, allowing for comprehensive search functionality. This tool enables users to retrieve past interactions and content seamlessly. Despite initial privacy concerns, Microsoft has implemented safeguards such as encryption via the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Windows Hello authentication to protect user data. (tomshardware.com)
- Click to Do: This feature provides contextual actions through keyboard shortcuts or touchscreen gestures. For instance, highlighting text may offer options to summarize it, while selecting an image could present editing tools. Initially, some functionalities are exclusive to devices with Snapdragon processors, with broader support planned for the near future. (tomshardware.com)
- Improved Windows Search: Enhanced with AI, the updated search function allows users to perform natural language queries, making it easier to locate files and information. This improvement is integrated directly into the Windows Search box, Settings, and File Explorer. (tomshardware.com)
To encourage the adoption of Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft has employed several tactics:
- Full-Screen Advertisements: Windows 10 users have reported encountering full-screen ads promoting the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs. These ads emphasize improved performance, enhanced security features, and extended battery life. Microsoft has confirmed that these advertisements are part of a broader campaign to inform users about the impending end of Windows 10 support and the advantages of transitioning to newer hardware. (techradar.com)
- Emphasis on AI Capabilities: Microsoft is positioning Copilot+ PCs as the forefront of AI innovation in personal computing. By highlighting features like Windows Recall and Click to Do, the company aims to showcase the practical benefits of AI integration, such as increased productivity and a more intuitive user experience. (axios.com)
- Performance Comparisons: Microsoft claims that Copilot+ PCs deliver up to 13% faster performance than the MacBook Air M4 among top-performing devices and are up to five times faster than popular five-year-old Windows PCs. These assertions are intended to appeal to users considering hardware upgrades.
While Microsoft's push for Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs offers several advantages, users face certain considerations:
- Hardware Requirements: Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements compared to its predecessor, making it incompatible with many older devices. This necessitates the purchase of new hardware for users wishing to upgrade, which can be a significant financial investment. (techradar.com)
- Privacy Concerns: Features like Windows Recall, which continuously capture user activity, have raised privacy questions. Although Microsoft has implemented security measures, some users remain apprehensive about the potential for data misuse. (tomshardware.com)
- User Experience Changes: Transitioning to Windows 11 involves adapting to a new user interface and functionality changes. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with modifications to the taskbar and other elements, which may impact workflow efficiency. (techradar.com)
Microsoft's promotion of Copilot+ PCs as a means to transition users from Windows 10 to Windows 11 reflects a strategic emphasis on AI integration and enhanced performance. While these advancements offer promising benefits, users must weigh factors such as hardware compatibility, privacy implications, and the learning curve associated with a new operating system. As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches, making an informed decision about upgrading becomes increasingly pertinent.
Source: inkl Microsoft wants users to ditch Windows 10 before its imminent death — Using Copilot+ PCs with Recall to upsell Windows 11
