Microsoft has decided to take a bold, in-your-face approach to convince users still clutching their Windows 10 systems: full-screen ads promoting an upgrade to Windows 11 and Copilot+, their fancy AI integration tool. And if you felt like those little nag pop-ups reminding you about updates were annoying, these new full-screen banners could feel downright hard to ignore. So, what's going on here, and what does this mean for the 70% of users still rocking Windows 10? Let’s break it down.
For businesses, the carrot isn’t sweet either. Microsoft will charge $61 per device for extended security updates for the first year, and that figure doubles each year thereafter. It’s Microsoft’s way of saying, “Hey, why pay more to maintain an aging system when you can just move to Windows 11?”
But let’s dispense with the buzzwords and dig deeper. How is this relevant? Copilot+ works through Microsoft's cloud-driven ecosystem (Azure AI dominates in the backend), making advanced AI functionalities more accessible than ever. The demands of running these services on hardware naturally promote the need for modern systems—like those running Windows 11—because older devices simply don’t meet performance requirements.
Microsoft claims Copilot+ runs noticeably faster on machines built for Windows 11. This could be a game-changer for day-to-day creators, professionals, and even casual users. But for cynics, Microsoft's emphasis on AI could also read like a convenient excuse to push hardware sales and drive cloud subscriptions.
This is classic Microsoft. Remember the aggressive tactics they used to drive upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 10? If history tells us anything, these methods might be annoying but often get results.
Different from the enterprise pricing plan of $61 per computer, Microsoft has yet to announce its Extended Security Update (ESU) pricing for individual users. Safe to guess, Microsoft will try to make staying on Windows 10 just unappealing enough to motivate even Uncle Bob with his decade-old laptop to upgrade.
And while we’re talking costs, weigh this: paying $61, $122, or more per year for security patches may sound increasingly absurd compared to the one-time expense of purchasing a Windows 11 license or buying hardware preloaded with it.
What should YOU do?
If you’re eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11 and your machine meets the system requirements, maybe it’s time to consider taking the leap—if only for peace of mind and extended support. However, if you're not ready to upgrade, start planning ahead. Either ensure extended security for Windows 10 or explore alternative setups, including Linux-based operating systems.
Microsoft isn’t leaving much choice. The future leans heavily on Windows 11 powering AI-driven environments, and this hard push is just their way of saying: move with the times, or brace for a pricier stay behind.
What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s bold advertising tactics? Does this push feel necessary to you, or is it simply a hard sell gone too far? Join the conversation and let us know!
Source: Gagadget.com Microsoft is using full-screen ads to promote Windows 11
The Countdown to Windows 10's Last Hurrah
In case you missed the memo, Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10 in October 2025. That’s just under two years to either make peace with upgrading or face the cold hard truth—security updates will cost you. And here’s where Microsoft’s strategy gets sharper than a razor: they’re warning users via these full-screen notifications. Alongside hints of doom for unsupported systems, Microsoft isn't hiding the stick they’re swinging—future security patches won’t come free.For businesses, the carrot isn’t sweet either. Microsoft will charge $61 per device for extended security updates for the first year, and that figure doubles each year thereafter. It’s Microsoft’s way of saying, “Hey, why pay more to maintain an aging system when you can just move to Windows 11?”
Copilot+ Isn't Just AI Hype—Here's Why That Matters
Central to Microsoft’s campaign is Copilot+, their AI-powered productivity assistant baked into Windows 11. Think of it as Windows 11's secret weapon, designed to make users feel like they couldn’t live without it. Leveraging generative AI similar to ChatGPT, Copilot+ promises to handle tasks, answer queries, and integrate with everyday work applications, effectively acting as a pseudo-assistant right on your desktop.But let’s dispense with the buzzwords and dig deeper. How is this relevant? Copilot+ works through Microsoft's cloud-driven ecosystem (Azure AI dominates in the backend), making advanced AI functionalities more accessible than ever. The demands of running these services on hardware naturally promote the need for modern systems—like those running Windows 11—because older devices simply don’t meet performance requirements.
Microsoft claims Copilot+ runs noticeably faster on machines built for Windows 11. This could be a game-changer for day-to-day creators, professionals, and even casual users. But for cynics, Microsoft's emphasis on AI could also read like a convenient excuse to push hardware sales and drive cloud subscriptions.
Why the Hard Sell? 70% of Users Are Still Married to Windows 10
That whopping 70% figure of users holding on to Windows 10 must give Microsoft nightmares. Despite Windows 11’s flashy marketing and new features, adoption has been sluggish. Why? It boils down to two reasons:- Strict Hardware Requirements: Windows 11 has rigid system mandates, requiring TPM 2.0 and newer processors. Many older but perfectly good machines can't upgrade without expensive hardware replacements.
- Comfort Zone Syndrome: Many Windows 10 users feel no pain. The OS is stable, familiar, and functional—why fix what isn’t broken?
This is classic Microsoft. Remember the aggressive tactics they used to drive upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 10? If history tells us anything, these methods might be annoying but often get results.
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade?
Staying on Windows 10 post-October 2025 won’t technically brick your system. Your computer will keep running just as it does now, but the lack of security updates will put you at grave risk of malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. For enterprise users, this is a ticking time bomb. For home users… it’s a bit like walking across a minefield blindfolded.Different from the enterprise pricing plan of $61 per computer, Microsoft has yet to announce its Extended Security Update (ESU) pricing for individual users. Safe to guess, Microsoft will try to make staying on Windows 10 just unappealing enough to motivate even Uncle Bob with his decade-old laptop to upgrade.
And while we’re talking costs, weigh this: paying $61, $122, or more per year for security patches may sound increasingly absurd compared to the one-time expense of purchasing a Windows 11 license or buying hardware preloaded with it.
Real Impacts of Windows 11: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Here’s where the question becomes philosophical. Is Windows 11 truly worth it, or is this just another PR push cloaked as evolution? Let’s face it, Windows 11 is undeniably more modern in terms of user interface, gaming optimizations (hello, DirectStorage), and productivity features like Snap Layouts and Android app compatibility. But power users argue these haven’t yet provided the “wow-worthy” jump that justifies the upgrade push.Key Features That Stand Out in Windows 11:
- Streamlined Design: A cleaner, minimalist UI designed to reduce cognitive load.
- DirectStorage Optimizations: Gamers get faster load times on compatible NVMe SSDs.
- Advanced Multitasking: Features like Snap Layouts and improved virtual desktops make multitasking more fluid.
- Better Infrastructure for Updates: Gone are the days of lengthy update interruptions.
- Copilot+ AI Assistant: The talking point of this campaign.
Bottom Line: Forced Nudges Towards Windows 11
Here's the deal: Microsoft’s strategy, while aggressive, is par for the course. Companies love aggressive onboarding, and operating system upgrades are no different. Imagine this as Microsoft waving a neon sign in your face saying, “The clock is ticking.” For some, the ads will be a wake-up call; for others, it’ll cause loud groans of frustration.What should YOU do?
If you’re eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11 and your machine meets the system requirements, maybe it’s time to consider taking the leap—if only for peace of mind and extended support. However, if you're not ready to upgrade, start planning ahead. Either ensure extended security for Windows 10 or explore alternative setups, including Linux-based operating systems.
Microsoft isn’t leaving much choice. The future leans heavily on Windows 11 powering AI-driven environments, and this hard push is just their way of saying: move with the times, or brace for a pricier stay behind.
What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s bold advertising tactics? Does this push feel necessary to you, or is it simply a hard sell gone too far? Join the conversation and let us know!
Source: Gagadget.com Microsoft is using full-screen ads to promote Windows 11
