Microsoft is busy pushing users of the popular Windows 10 toward its successor, Windows 11. That hasn’t really worked out yet, which is why the company is kicking communication around Windows 10’s end-of-life status into the next gear. Recently, Microsoft presented a new website that explains to users the entire timeline and necessary migration steps to Windows 11.
The new website should subtly replace the current pop-ups in Windows 10 that forcefully recommend that users switch to Windows 11 and offer the option to do so on the spot. These pop-ups regularly appear when starting a system running Windows 10, forcing users to read and agree to the entire message first.
New website
The website now presented signals once again to Windows 10 users that this version will reach end-of-life status after October 14, 2025. Windows 10 will not receive any security or other technical updates after this date.
The website provides information about the end of Windows 10 and additionally, about older Windows versions as well, such as Windows 7 and 8.1. These versions reached end-of-life status in 2023.
Migrating settings with Windows Backup
Furthermore, the website offers a section with information about Windows 11 and its new (AI) features and how users can migrate to this OS version, such as using Windows Backup to migrate all settings.
The attached FAQ provides further details, including the high fees users will have to pay if they still decide to use the Extended Security Update (ESU) services for Windows 10. It also offers the option of buying a laptop that meets the stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11.
Windows 10 grows, Windows 11 falls
Interestingly, Windows 10’s market share is still substantially larger than that of Windows 11, which even showed a slight decline in March and April. The share of Windows 10 grew slightly during the same period. Many users are apparently still quite happy with this older OS (and the device they probably bought during the corona pandemic) and do not immediately see the advantages its successor is supposed to bring.
Microsoft hopes to entice users to upgrade by touting a host of upcoming AI functionalities. However, a new device is required to fully take advantage of these functionalities, such as a PC with a Copilot button and/or NPU or even the recently announced Copilot+ PCs with Arm architecture.
Also read: Microsoft reminds users that Windows 10 21H2 support will end soon