It’s a new year and a new era—or so Microsoft would like you to believe. With support for Windows 10 set to end in October 2025, the tech giant is going all out to convince you that updating to Windows 11 is not just necessary, but life-changing in the year ahead. Forget about shiny new TV screens, the latest foldable smartphones, or even that fridge that can order you milk autonomously—Microsoft claims the most important upgrade you’ll make in 2025 is to your trusty PC.
Let’s unpack this big push, dissect the rhetoric, and figure out whether it’s genuinely worth leaving the comfort of Windows 10 behind.
Here’s the reasoning behind it: Microsoft believes its Windows 11 operating system embodies tools, interfaces, and AI functionalities that the “modern user” can no longer forgo. Mehdi touted the significant strides in artificial intelligence that have been baked into Windows 11, positioning the OS as the de facto AI-ready platform capable of addressing our most pressing tech needs.
And that’s not all. Alongside AI, Microsoft has incessantly teased and launched elements like Copilot Plus PCs and promises an improved AI-powered Windows Search in order to deliver what it calls a “future-proof” computing experience.
Notice anything odd, though? Microsoft knows that Windows 11 has yet to fully win hearts in terms of adoption. Steam metrics may place it as the top PC gaming OS, but the broader spectrum of everyday users still hasn't been won over, as Windows 10 adoption and satisfaction remain stubbornly high.
This year, Microsoft proclaims, is make-or-break for guiding reluctant users into the Windows 11 fold. Let’s get into the reasons behind this drive.
Here’s what makes Windows 11 stand out—and why Microsoft wants you on it desperately:
For early Windows 10 adopters using first-gen laptops from that era, this essentially means upgrading your PC entirely. Expect Microsoft to partner heavily with OEMs this year to offer discounts on Windows 11-ready machines.
And if Microsoft’s push for Extended Security Updates continues at $30 a year? It’s a short-term band-aid, not a cure.
So, what’s your plan? Stick with Windows 10, take the plunge into Windows 11’s AI-enabled future, or sit on the fence with ESUs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Summary: As Microsoft declares 2025 the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” the company ramps up efforts to bid Windows 10 farewell. Expect aggressive marketing, refined AI features, and hardware pushes—but resistance from devoted Windows 10 users could make this a steep uphill battle. It’s time to consider whether the evolution is worth it—or whether you can hold out just a little longer.
Source: The Verge Microsoft would really like you to stop using Windows 10 this year
Let’s unpack this big push, dissect the rhetoric, and figure out whether it’s genuinely worth leaving the comfort of Windows 10 behind.
2025: The Year of the Windows 11 PC Refresh
During CES 2025, Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s EVP and Consumer CMO, took the stage (metaphorically, since Microsoft chose not to set up a physical booth at CTA's massive trade show this year) to declare that upgrading from Windows 10 is now a priority. Not just any priority—but a priority above buying a new television, smartphone, or even the futuristic appliances we’ve grown accustomed to seeing at CES. Bold claim, Mehdi!Here’s the reasoning behind it: Microsoft believes its Windows 11 operating system embodies tools, interfaces, and AI functionalities that the “modern user” can no longer forgo. Mehdi touted the significant strides in artificial intelligence that have been baked into Windows 11, positioning the OS as the de facto AI-ready platform capable of addressing our most pressing tech needs.
And that’s not all. Alongside AI, Microsoft has incessantly teased and launched elements like Copilot Plus PCs and promises an improved AI-powered Windows Search in order to deliver what it calls a “future-proof” computing experience.
Notice anything odd, though? Microsoft knows that Windows 11 has yet to fully win hearts in terms of adoption. Steam metrics may place it as the top PC gaming OS, but the broader spectrum of everyday users still hasn't been won over, as Windows 10 adoption and satisfaction remain stubbornly high.
This year, Microsoft proclaims, is make-or-break for guiding reluctant users into the Windows 11 fold. Let’s get into the reasons behind this drive.
Why Is Microsoft Doubling Down Now?
- Support for Windows 10 Ends Soon: While October 2025 marks the official end-of-support date for Windows 10, it has loomed large for a while. Yet, the looming deadline doesn’t seem to be the only motivation. Unlike past operating system sunsets (hello, Windows XP nostalgia), Windows 11’s uptake figures seem slower than Microsoft probably hoped.
- Unfinished Business from 2024: Despite positioning 2024 as “the year of the AI PC,” Microsoft stumbled on delivering its Recall feature or completing the planned AI-centric Windows Search updates. It appears that these AI-driven enhancements have been moved to 2025, which now makes them a significant selling point for Windows 11 adoption.
- Extended Security Updates (for a Cost): Here’s a new wrinkle: if you really can’t—or won’t—leave Windows 10 yet, Microsoft is dangling an unprecedented carrot (or stick?): Extended Security Updates (ESUs) available to consumers for the first time. While organizations have been able to access ESUs for earlier platforms like Windows 7, ESUs for Joe Public weren’t previously a thing. For just $30, you can buy yourself another year of patch coverage for Windows 10. However, the bigger question is whether it’s worth it. At some point, paying extra just to cling to an aging OS may sound like diminishing returns.
- Pressure from Windows 10’s Popularity: Windows 10 remains beloved for its stable performance, familiar Start Menu, and compatibility with older apps and devices. Convincing millions of users to uproot their workflow is no small feat. By adding new carrots (features) and sticks (no more updates unless you pay), Microsoft may well be playing a high-stakes game of attrition.
What Does Windows 11 Bring to the Table Anyway?
If you’ve been delaying, you’re likely asking, “Why bother? My Windows 10 works just fine.” Fair. But Microsoft believes it has an answer in its AI-focused strategy.Here’s what makes Windows 11 stand out—and why Microsoft wants you on it desperately:
- AI Features Like Copilot: Windows 11 integrates AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot, a virtual assistant poised to supercharge productivity. Need explanations for documents? Hands-off automation for recurring tasks? Copilot holds promise for advanced AI-assisted computing.
- Improved Search and Widgets: While still cooking, the revamped Windows Search promises faster AI-driven responses. Widgets, now front-and-center in Windows 11, may appeal to those who love their weather alerts, news caps, or calendar snippets in easily digestible form.
- Gaming Wins: For gamers, Windows 11 incorporates technologies like Auto-HDR, DirectStorage, and deeper Xbox Game Pass integration. Basically, it gives your hardware an edge if you’re running demanding games.
- Hybrid Work/Usability Tweaks: Enhanced tethering for hybrid work devices and better multi-monitor support mean Windows 11 isn’t just a visual facelift—it adds some meaningful QoL (Quality of Life) improvements. Fancy Snap Layouts for multitasking? Done. Cloud-enabled document syncing? That’s the default with Microsoft 365.
The Catch: Your Hardware Might Not Be Ready
The biggest barrier? Compatibility. Windows 11 draws a hard line on hardware requirements, meaning laptops or desktops manufactured before 2017 may not meet the TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot standards—or even have recent enough CPUs. Yes, you could technically attempt bypassing restrictions, but Microsoft has repeatedly warned that unsupported devices won’t receive updates or bug fixes.For early Windows 10 adopters using first-gen laptops from that era, this essentially means upgrading your PC entirely. Expect Microsoft to partner heavily with OEMs this year to offer discounts on Windows 11-ready machines.
What Happens if You Don’t Upgrade?
So you’re thinking, “Let me ignore Microsoft’s nagging and carry on with Windows 10.” That can work…for about nine months post-October 2025, provided you’re not too fussed about security updates and remain offline most of the time. Beyond that, though? Weak links in the chain of security patches may render systems more susceptible to cyberattacks, making an upgrade seem like the lesser evil.And if Microsoft’s push for Extended Security Updates continues at $30 a year? It’s a short-term band-aid, not a cure.
Thinking Twice: Are You Ready to Move On?
The idea of upgrading an OS before its expiration date isn’t new. What’s different here is the intensity of Microsoft’s marketing campaign coupled with some pressing technological carrots (AI) and clever sticks (limited support). But the emotional connection many users have to Windows 10, along with the reluctance to upgrade hardware, means this transition could mirror the drawn-out phase-out of older platforms (who else waited until 2019 to leave Windows 7? Guilty).So, what’s your plan? Stick with Windows 10, take the plunge into Windows 11’s AI-enabled future, or sit on the fence with ESUs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Summary: As Microsoft declares 2025 the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” the company ramps up efforts to bid Windows 10 farewell. Expect aggressive marketing, refined AI features, and hardware pushes—but resistance from devoted Windows 10 users could make this a steep uphill battle. It’s time to consider whether the evolution is worth it—or whether you can hold out just a little longer.
Source: The Verge Microsoft would really like you to stop using Windows 10 this year