As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 looms on the horizon, Microsoft’s campaign to encourage users to move to Windows 11 is entering a new, defining phase—one marked by the introduction and aggressive marketing of Copilot+ PCs. Scheduled to lose official support on October 14, 2025, Windows 10 still retains a commanding presence in the global operating system landscape, but pressure is building both technologically and through strategic messaging to accelerate the migration. Microsoft claims that Copilot+ PCs, specifically designed to leverage Windows 11’s advanced features and AI capabilities, will deliver not just a better computing experience but also quantifiable leaps in speed and security; the company asserts these devices are "up to 5x faster" than 5-year-old Windows 10 machines and touts them as the "most secure Windows PCs" ever made.
For many users, the idea of leaving Windows 10 behind is not simply a matter of clicking an upgrade button. The reality is complex: strict hardware requirements for Windows 11 have left a significant share of existing PCs ineligible for a straightforward update. Devices manufactured more than five years ago—still functional for web browsing, document editing, and light productivity—now face abrupt obsolescence. This threshold is not just technical but emotional for users who have invested in equipment and workflows.
Yet, Microsoft’s approach appears less brute force than in the past. The company, once notorious for attention-grabbing, even intrusive full-screen upgrade prompts, has shifted gears toward a more transformative pitch centered on the Copilot+ PC ecosystem. The goal is not merely to push a new OS, but to redefine the PC experience around intelligence, security, and energy efficiency.
Key among the features that set Copilot+ PCs apart are:
However, “up to” statements mask the variability. Not all eligible Windows 10 devices will see such gains; the leap is most pronounced when comparing against low-spec, aging laptops. Power users running modern Intel 10th-gen or newer hardware may not see a fivefold jump. Some industry experts have also noted that, while AI-accelerated workloads are dramatically faster, general CPU performance still depends heavily on the application and optimization for ARM or x86.
However, a potential risk is introduced by advanced AI recording features such as Windows Recall, which, if poorly configured or exploited, could create a new vector for privacy or data exfiltration attacks. Microsoft paused the rollout for Recall specifically due to security researchers noting that captured data was potentially accessible by malicious actors on compromised machines. Microsoft insists that protections are in place and the system operates with strict user consent—but early reporting cautioned that "the most secure" claim may require more robust proof as the rollout proceeds.
Nonetheless, "up to" numbers are just that: best-case scenarios. Intensive mixed workflows (development, media creation, heavy multitasking) often saw shorter runtimes, though still broadly ahead of typical battery metrics for older, x86-based Windows 10 devices. Real-world battery life remains contingent on application mix, screen brightness, and connected peripherals—a fact often lost in headline marketing figures.
There is also the stark reality of Windows 10’s persistent dominance. As of the latest estimates, Windows 11 only holds 42.69% of the Windows desktop OS market, with Windows 10 still clinging to a majority at over 54%. This inertia persists despite the clear sunset timeline.
Part of the reluctance to upgrade is practical. Not all organizations or individuals are ready to buy new hardware, and many see little concrete advantage to making the leap—especially given corporate software dependencies or the high cost of replacing fleets of aging but still sufficient machines.
Copilot+, then, is meant to offer not just “another Windows” but a compelling reason for users to see the value in a new device class. By associating its most advanced features exclusively with top-tier hardware, Microsoft is betting on technological FOMO—fear of missing out—as a motivator, and, crucially, accelerating the cycle of PC replacement.
Industry analysts are divided on the likely trajectory. Optimists point to the growing momentum of AI in consumer and enterprise technology, arguing that Copilot+’s exclusive features will grow indispensable as application support widens. Pessimists counter that fragmentation (x86 vs. ARM software compatibility), high entry costs, and residual distrust from previous aggressive upgrade tactics could slow adoption or even push users to alternative platforms like Chrome OS or macOS.
Policymakers and digital rights organizations are watching closely, as is the cybersecurity research community. There is cautious optimism that, if implemented correctly, local AI-assisted recall could be a boon to productivity and accessibility; but a misstep could spark a new class of privacy scandals, reminiscent of the early telemetry concerns that dogged Windows 10 during its first years.
For consumers, the question is as much about timing as it is necessity. Will today's Copilot+ PCs deliver real value for typical workloads, or will most users only benefit marginally from AI-first features in the near term? The answer will depend on how quickly the Windows developer ecosystem pivots to embrace ARM-native apps and AI-accelerated workflows.
In the meantime, the recommendations are clear:
Microsoft’s success or failure will depend on how transparently it navigates these waters: backing marketing with measurable results, responding rapidly to user and security feedback, and demonstrating real, durable value for customers asked to leave their reliable Windows 10 machines behind. As October 2025 draws near, the PC world—and Microsoft’s place at its heart—stands at a crossroads where trust, technology, and transformation must converge.
Source: Windows Central It's time to stop holding on to Windows 10 — Microsoft says Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11 are "up to 5x faster" anyway
The Journey from Windows 10 to Windows 11: A Crossroads
For many users, the idea of leaving Windows 10 behind is not simply a matter of clicking an upgrade button. The reality is complex: strict hardware requirements for Windows 11 have left a significant share of existing PCs ineligible for a straightforward update. Devices manufactured more than five years ago—still functional for web browsing, document editing, and light productivity—now face abrupt obsolescence. This threshold is not just technical but emotional for users who have invested in equipment and workflows.Yet, Microsoft’s approach appears less brute force than in the past. The company, once notorious for attention-grabbing, even intrusive full-screen upgrade prompts, has shifted gears toward a more transformative pitch centered on the Copilot+ PC ecosystem. The goal is not merely to push a new OS, but to redefine the PC experience around intelligence, security, and energy efficiency.
What Exactly Are Copilot+ PCs?
The branding "Copilot+" is more than just a label. According to Microsoft, Copilot+ PCs represent a new hardware standard designed from the ground up to enable the most advanced Windows 11 features, especially those driven by artificial intelligence. These systems are not generic computers running a modern OS—they are bespoke platforms, typically powered by the latest Snapdragon X chips with integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) or equivalent hardware accelerators, that make real-time AI workloads feasible on-device rather than offloading to the cloud.Key among the features that set Copilot+ PCs apart are:
- Windows Recall: An AI-powered tool to chronologically catalog and recall previously viewed windows, files, and web pages. Controversial at launch and subject to a year-long rollout delay due to privacy questions, its debut signals Microsoft’s push toward deeper contextual computing.
- Click To Do: Automated task suggestions and workflow enhancements powered by contextual AI.
- Enhanced Search Experiences: AI-driven search meant to bring more relevant results faster, tailored dynamically to current user intent.
- All-Day Battery: Claims of up to 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing—benchmarks that take direct aim at the Apple MacBook Air.
Microsoft’s Performance and Security Claims: Marketing or Material Leap Forward?
Microsoft’s central talking point in this campaign is performance. According to company statements and marketing documents:- Copilot+ PCs deliver “up to 5x faster” speeds compared to a 5-year-old Windows 10 device.
- They are up to “13% faster” than the Apple MacBook Air M4 in top-performing models.
- Copilot+ PCs bring “the most secure Windows PCs we’ve ever built,” referring to hardware-backed security features, updated firmware protections, and default use of advanced security processors.
Evaluating the “5x Faster” Stat
Benchmarking performance across generations is notoriously nuanced. Microsoft’s “up to 5x faster” figure appears to be drawn from comparisons between high-end 2024 Copilot+ PCs and average-to-low-end Windows 10 machines from circa 2019. This aligns with testing by several independent tech sites, which have confirmed that current premium ARM-based laptops with built-in NPUs do indeed outperform older Intel-based laptops, especially in AI benchmarks, multitasking, and power efficiency.However, “up to” statements mask the variability. Not all eligible Windows 10 devices will see such gains; the leap is most pronounced when comparing against low-spec, aging laptops. Power users running modern Intel 10th-gen or newer hardware may not see a fivefold jump. Some industry experts have also noted that, while AI-accelerated workloads are dramatically faster, general CPU performance still depends heavily on the application and optimization for ARM or x86.
Security Features: Hype Versus Reality
“The most secure Windows PCs ever built” is another bold claim fraught with context. Copilot+ PCs do ship with Microsoft’s Pluton security processor (in partnership with chip vendors), firmware TPM, and enhanced Secure Boot defaults. These measures have been well-reviewed by security professionals when measured against older platforms. On-device AI further allows sensitive computing to remain local, reducing some cloud-related data leakage vectors.However, a potential risk is introduced by advanced AI recording features such as Windows Recall, which, if poorly configured or exploited, could create a new vector for privacy or data exfiltration attacks. Microsoft paused the rollout for Recall specifically due to security researchers noting that captured data was potentially accessible by malicious actors on compromised machines. Microsoft insists that protections are in place and the system operates with strict user consent—but early reporting cautioned that "the most secure" claim may require more robust proof as the rollout proceeds.
The Battery Life Battle: Does Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs Outlast the Competition?
Battery life is the battleground where Microsoft is openly challenging Apple. The cited statistic—up to 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing—has been substantiated in selected third-party reviews of new Snapdragon-based Windows laptops, such as those from Lenovo and Dell equipped with Snapdragon X Elite processors. In measured usage scenarios, these machines did indeed rival or marginally surpass Apple's M-series MacBooks under similar workloads, particularly in video playback efficiency (a workload ARM designs are well optimized for).Nonetheless, "up to" numbers are just that: best-case scenarios. Intensive mixed workflows (development, media creation, heavy multitasking) often saw shorter runtimes, though still broadly ahead of typical battery metrics for older, x86-based Windows 10 devices. Real-world battery life remains contingent on application mix, screen brightness, and connected peripherals—a fact often lost in headline marketing figures.
The Rationale: Why the Copilot+ Push Now?
Microsoft’s pivot to Copilot+ is as much a response to market trends as it is a proactive attempt to shape them. The PC industry is in the midst of an AI hardware renaissance, with rival platforms from Apple and Google pushing specialized silicon and cloud-accelerated intelligence. By forging the Copilot+ standard, Microsoft aims to avoid being relegated to software running atop others’ ecosystems.There is also the stark reality of Windows 10’s persistent dominance. As of the latest estimates, Windows 11 only holds 42.69% of the Windows desktop OS market, with Windows 10 still clinging to a majority at over 54%. This inertia persists despite the clear sunset timeline.
Part of the reluctance to upgrade is practical. Not all organizations or individuals are ready to buy new hardware, and many see little concrete advantage to making the leap—especially given corporate software dependencies or the high cost of replacing fleets of aging but still sufficient machines.
Copilot+, then, is meant to offer not just “another Windows” but a compelling reason for users to see the value in a new device class. By associating its most advanced features exclusively with top-tier hardware, Microsoft is betting on technological FOMO—fear of missing out—as a motivator, and, crucially, accelerating the cycle of PC replacement.
Adoption and Industry Reception: Is the Strategy Working?
Early sales reports paint a cautiously optimistic picture. Microsoft claims that, during the most recent U.S. holiday quarter, up to 15% of premium-priced laptops sold were Copilot+ PCs. While this is a striking early penetration, it should be noted that “premium-priced” is a self-selecting segment, not the mass market.Industry analysts are divided on the likely trajectory. Optimists point to the growing momentum of AI in consumer and enterprise technology, arguing that Copilot+’s exclusive features will grow indispensable as application support widens. Pessimists counter that fragmentation (x86 vs. ARM software compatibility), high entry costs, and residual distrust from previous aggressive upgrade tactics could slow adoption or even push users to alternative platforms like Chrome OS or macOS.
Privacy and Ethical Concerns: The Double-Edged Sword of AI on the Desktop
One of the most contentious issues remains privacy. Windows Recall, in particular, has stoked fears about constant user activity logging. Following initial reports from security researchers and consumer advocacy groups, Microsoft delayed Recall’s rollout, citing a need for additional review and safeguards. As per official statements, the feature now requires explicit user activation, local-only data storage by default, and enhanced encryption. Still, the existence of such a chronicle, even if user-controlled, raises the specter of misuse in shared or compromised environments.Policymakers and digital rights organizations are watching closely, as is the cybersecurity research community. There is cautious optimism that, if implemented correctly, local AI-assisted recall could be a boon to productivity and accessibility; but a misstep could spark a new class of privacy scandals, reminiscent of the early telemetry concerns that dogged Windows 10 during its first years.
Copilot+ PCs and the Future of the PC Landscape
As Microsoft throws its considerable weight behind Copilot+ PCs, the message is unmistakable: the future of Windows is not about iterative updates, but a platform rethink around intelligence, security, and ecosystem value. For enterprise buyers, the calculus is shifting from “should I upgrade the OS” to “should I invest in a new class of hardware built expressly for the next era of computing?”For consumers, the question is as much about timing as it is necessity. Will today's Copilot+ PCs deliver real value for typical workloads, or will most users only benefit marginally from AI-first features in the near term? The answer will depend on how quickly the Windows developer ecosystem pivots to embrace ARM-native apps and AI-accelerated workflows.
In the meantime, the recommendations are clear:
- If You Own an Older Windows 10 Device (5+ Years Old): The performance and battery gains promised by Copilot+ PCs are substantial if you move frequently or rely heavily on AI-powered features. Security is also objectively stronger on these platforms, but consider practical application support—including software compatibility—before leaping.
- If You’re on a Recent Windows 10 or 11 PC: The incentive to immediately upgrade is less clear cut. Await broader application optimization, and monitor the rollout and reliability of key features like Recall.
- Concerned About Privacy: Stay engaged with Microsoft’s security documentation and opt out of AI recording features unless confident in their controls. Regularly check for firmware and OS updates that address newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Conclusion: The Last Lap for Windows 10, and a Defining Test for Microsoft’s Vision
The sunsetting of Windows 10 and the ascendance of Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11 marks more than another generational handoff; it represents a gamble on how users perceive the future of personal computing. Microsoft’s “up to 5x faster” claim is largely justified when pitted against the baseline of obsolete hardware, and its security improvements are built on a real foundation of modern chip-to-cloud safeguards. Yet, skepticism about privacy, app compatibility, and up-front costs persists.Microsoft’s success or failure will depend on how transparently it navigates these waters: backing marketing with measurable results, responding rapidly to user and security feedback, and demonstrating real, durable value for customers asked to leave their reliable Windows 10 machines behind. As October 2025 draws near, the PC world—and Microsoft’s place at its heart—stands at a crossroads where trust, technology, and transformation must converge.
Source: Windows Central It's time to stop holding on to Windows 10 — Microsoft says Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11 are "up to 5x faster" anyway
