Microsoft has intensified its campaign to encourage Windows 10 users to purchase new computers by displaying full-screen promotional messages. The tech giant's latest strategy comes as Windows 10 approaches its end of support date in October 2025.
The new full-screen notifications, which began appearing to users over the weekend, promote "the ultimate Windows 11 experience" and suggest users can "do more with a new Windows 11 PC." These prompts direct users to promotional pages showcasing new Windows 11-compatible computers.
While Microsoft actively promotes hardware upgrades, the company has not prominently mentioned that Windows 10 users will have options after October 2025. For the first time, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates to regular consumers at $30 per year. Business customers can purchase up to three years of additional security updates.
This marketing approach mirrors Microsoft's previous campaigns, particularly during the Windows 7 and 8.1 transition period. However, the current situation differs because Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, supporting only CPUs released from 2018 onwards. This limitation explains why the prompts focus on new PC purchases rather than operating system upgrades.
The timing of these promotional messages appears complex, as Windows 11 adoption rates continue to lag behind Windows 10. Adding to the confusion, Microsoft recently reopened its beta program for Windows 10 users to test new features - an unusual move for an operating system approaching its end of support.
This aggressive marketing push highlights Microsoft's determination to transition users to newer hardware and software platforms, despite potential resistance from users content with their current systems.
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