[Discussion] Microsoft Intensifies Push for Windows 11 Adoption with Fullscreen Prompts

[Uncrowned Guard]

Microsoft Encourages a Shift to Windows 11

Microsoft has been increasingly persuasive in promoting the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, as it marches towards the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025. A key strategy Microsoft is employing involves the use of fullscreen prompts to not only inform users about the upcoming support cut-off but also to introduce them to the benefits of Windows 11.

Enticing Users with Fullscreen Prompts

Microsoft had previously used fullscreen prompts to alert Windows 10 users of the support expiration and is now using the same format to promote the purchase of a new PC equipped with Windows 11. Some users will have already encountered these messages, suggesting they could do more with a new Windows 11 PC or upgrade to the latest Copilot Plus PCs for the ultimate Windows 11 experience. Just like the earlier alerts, the prompts carry a link directing users to a website showcasing new products equipped with Windows 11.

Extending Support for Windows 10, at a Cost

Interestingly, these fullscreen alerts have not communicated the option for users to continue using Windows 10 beyond the support cessation date. Microsoft has planned to offer Extended Security Updates to consumers, marking the first time the company has provided such a service, but users wishing to avail of this will need to pay $30 for an additional year of updates. Capitalizing on this offer, commercial customers can access up to three years of extra updates.

Windows 11's Rocky Road to Adoption

This isn't the first time Microsoft has employed such direct advertising tactics. Similar strategies were employed to encourage users to transition from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. With Windows 11 only being compatible with CPUs released as of 2018, this method, which promotes upgrading the PC itself rather than just the system, targets a wider audience and is intended to ramp up adoption rates. Windows 11's acceptance is still trailing behind Windows 10, despite temporarily becoming the most popular operating system for PC gaming on Steam. Microsoft's messaging around the end of Windows 10 support has been further confused by the introduction of new features to the aging OS. After previously declaring the completion of major Windows 10 updates in 2023, Microsoft later reopened its beta program in June for Windows 10 users to experiment with new features - an unexpected move for an OS that Microsoft is looking to retire next year.

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