Windows 10 users, brace yourselves—Microsoft has found a new way to get under your skin. It's not just those infamous reminders urging you to upgrade to Windows 11 anymore. Nope, this time they've taken it to the next level with full-screen advertisements. Yes, you read that right: full-screen ads on your desktop, trying to convince you to upgrade not just your OS, but your entire computer. Buckle up, because if you’re still on Windows 10, it feels like you’ve got a target painted on your machine.
Let’s dive in to unpack what’s happening, why it’s happening, and most importantly, how it affects you.
These invasive ads are showcasing Microsoft's Surface devices, though they fall short of directly naming specific models. The underlying message is unmistakable: “Your Windows 10 hardware won’t cut it anymore. Time to switch to something more 2024.”
And the pièce de résistance? The ads push a machine that supports Copilot+, Microsoft’s boosted AI integration bundled with Windows 11. However, therein lies the kicker—very few PCs on the market meet the stringent hardware requirements for Copilot+.
But there’s a catch: To run Copilot+, you’ll need some serious silicon. Certified machines require an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of handling at least 40 trillion operations per second. Translation? If you want Copilot+, you’re looking at a device sporting one of the following processor types:
This new campaign explicitly aims to break that user base.
The insistence on upgrading is a practical gambit for Microsoft to fuel sales in newer PCs. But let’s call it what it is—an effort to sideline aging systems. This mirrors prior moves from Microsoft, such as ending extended support for older Windows versions unless users forked over extra fees for over-the-hill hardware support.
However, bear in mind the risks of operating systems past their end-of-life (EOL) date—security vulnerabilities may creep in, leaving your tools and personal data ripe for exploitation.
Due for expiration Windows 10 users still holding their ground, your best move might just be sheer patience. Just because Microsoft shouts louder doesn’t mean you have to listen. Whether you eventually upgrade or stay steadfast, the choice is yours—don’t let your desktop become another battleground in the name of profits.
Let us know in the forums: Are you happy with Windows 10, or is it time to embrace the inevitable?
Source: Notebookcheck Microsoft pushing out full-screen ads to Windows 10 users
Let’s dive in to unpack what’s happening, why it’s happening, and most importantly, how it affects you.
The New Era of Attention-Grabbing Ads
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at Microsoft's persistent “friendly reminders” to upgrade your OS, get ready for a whole new ballgame. Windows 10 users are now being greeted with full-screen ads promoting the Microsoft Surface laptop lineup and suggesting a hardware refresh for the "ultimate Windows 11 experience." Subtlety is not part of this campaign's vocabulary.These invasive ads are showcasing Microsoft's Surface devices, though they fall short of directly naming specific models. The underlying message is unmistakable: “Your Windows 10 hardware won’t cut it anymore. Time to switch to something more 2024.”
And the pièce de résistance? The ads push a machine that supports Copilot+, Microsoft’s boosted AI integration bundled with Windows 11. However, therein lies the kicker—very few PCs on the market meet the stringent hardware requirements for Copilot+.
What is Copilot+?
For those who may not be familiar, Copilot+ is Microsoft's latest AI-driven assistant, designed to enhance productivity by using advanced machine learning for tasks like real-time document revisions, coding assistance, and even creative brainstorming—think ChatGPT, but woven into your operating system.But there’s a catch: To run Copilot+, you’ll need some serious silicon. Certified machines require an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of handling at least 40 trillion operations per second. Translation? If you want Copilot+, you’re looking at a device sporting one of the following processor types:
- Snapdragon X Series (Qualcomm’s elite chips optimized for AI and efficiency)
- Intel Core Ultra (Intel’s newest AI-geared chips)
- AMD Ryzen AI processors (offering state-of-the-art machine learning acceleration).
The Pressure to Move On
The aggressive advertising isn’t appearing across all Windows 10 systems just yet, but the strategy is clear: Microsoft is turning up the heat on users clinging to older hardware. Since late 2021, nearly every new PC has shipped with Windows 11 pre-installed. However, a significant portion of existing users — especially enterprise clients and casual PC owners — remain staunchly entrenched in Windows 10, which still offers reliability, compatibility, and many of the features users actually care about.This new campaign explicitly aims to break that user base.
The insistence on upgrading is a practical gambit for Microsoft to fuel sales in newer PCs. But let’s call it what it is—an effort to sideline aging systems. This mirrors prior moves from Microsoft, such as ending extended support for older Windows versions unless users forked over extra fees for over-the-hill hardware support.
Intrusive Yet Effective?
Full-screen ads are a bold move and bring new questions to light:- How effective will this tactic be? While some users might simply dismiss these ads, others—especially the less tech-savvy audience—may perceive them as an ominous call to action, potentially scaring them into upgrading.
- What’s the endgame for Windows 10 loyalists? Official support for Windows 10, including updates, is on borrowed time. While Microsoft plans to charge $30 for extended security updates, this option is likely unsavory for average consumers.
- Can Microsoft alienate its user base? The intrusive nature of these ads risks sparking backlash. For many users, the idea of “desktop real estate” being overtaken by what is effectively a giant pop-up ad could leave a bitter taste.
What Are Your Options?
If you’re staunchly determined to stick with Windows 10 and your current hardware, here are a few things to consider:Officially-Supported Options
Microsoft is committed to providing security updates for Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. But as early as January 2024, users may lose access to feature updates unless they meet very specific conditions. Beyond this, Microsoft plans to charge for additional updates, leaving users with the dilemma of paying to keep old systems secure or rolling the dice on unsupported hardware.Alternatives for the Brave
For those with technical know-how, options such as third-party update services, community-driven patches like 0Patch, or jumping to alternative operating systems (hello Linux!) could be worth exploring.However, bear in mind the risks of operating systems past their end-of-life (EOL) date—security vulnerabilities may creep in, leaving your tools and personal data ripe for exploitation.
Why This Matters
This latest development reflects a broader trend among technology companies: a tightening stranglehold aimed at keeping users continually upgrading. Microsoft stands to benefit from this push in multiple ways:- Increased PC Hardware Sales: Let’s face it—Snapdragon X, Intel Core Ultra, and AMD Ryzen AI processors don’t come cheap. By requiring new users to jump through hardware hoops, Microsoft keeps its hardware partners happy while ensuring its software evolves in lockstep with more powerful components.
- Better AI Adoption Metrics: Copilot+ and other AI-driven features are hardware-dependent. Microsoft’s deep investment in AI necessitates a user base with compatible systems, meaning older and weaker hardware needs to move out of the way for better adoption rates.
- More Costs: Expensive hardware upgrades, coupled with potential subscription fees for extended features, chip away at user savings.
- Control Over Experience: Increasingly, users feel boxed into a controlled ecosystem, making this new ad campaign feel less like an ask and more like a demand.
Closing Thoughts: How Much is Too Much?
The full-screen ads reflect a wider gamer-like monetization strategy creeping into Windows’ DNA. Ads in a paid product blur the line between feature-rich affordability and user exploitation. For those on Windows 10, the next few years may very well feel like repelling an invasion—one full-screen ad at a time.Due for expiration Windows 10 users still holding their ground, your best move might just be sheer patience. Just because Microsoft shouts louder doesn’t mean you have to listen. Whether you eventually upgrade or stay steadfast, the choice is yours—don’t let your desktop become another battleground in the name of profits.
Let us know in the forums: Are you happy with Windows 10, or is it time to embrace the inevitable?
Source: Notebookcheck Microsoft pushing out full-screen ads to Windows 10 users