Microsoft pushes Windows 11 upgrade with full-screen prompts on Windows 10 users

But the campaign doesn't mention the other options for Windows 10 users

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.
TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust.

In a nutshell: Microsoft is trying to navigate the dual tasks of moving users to its latest operating system while also supporting a large install base of Windows 10 devices. So, Redmond is using full-screen prompts to promote Windows 11, even though it will mean hardware upgrades for millions of users.

Microsoft has launched a new campaign using full-screen prompts on Windows 10 devices to entice users to transition to Windows 11. This initiative comes as the tech giant prepares for the end of Windows 10 support, scheduled for October 14, 2025.

The prompts, which began appearing on users' screens last weekend, highlight the enhanced capabilities available on Windows 11 PCs.

Messages such as "do more with a new Windows 11 PC" and "level up to the new Copilot Plus PCs" for "the ultimate Windows 11 experience" are being displayed, aiming to persuade users to consider the necessary hardware upgrades to make the switch. Redmond's messaging also directs people to a dedicated website showcasing new Windows 11 devices, which they can access via a link within the prompt.

This approach mirrors Microsoft's earlier efforts this year when it used similar full-screen notifications to alert Windows 10 users about the impending support cutoff. However, this campaign has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency on the other options Windows 10 users have.

For example, notably absent from these prompts is information about Microsoft's unprecedented offer of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for consumers. For the first time, individual users will have the option to purchase an additional year of security updates for $30, while commercial customers can extend support for up to three years.

Microsoft is facing an uphill battle with some users, as upgrading to Windows 11 often means there will be hardware compatibility issues. Namely, Windows 11's system requirements include support only for CPUs released from 2018 onwards. This restriction makes millions of existing devices ineligible for an official upgrade. It likely explains why the prompts focus on purchasing new hardware rather than upgrading the operating system itself.

// Related Stories

• Did you know? Windows 95 used three different operating systems during setup
• A "platform upgrade" involves swapping which core PC components?

Despite Microsoft's efforts, Windows 11 adoption rates have been slower than anticipated. While the newer OS briefly claimed the top spot as the most popular for PC gaming on Steam earlier this summer, it still lags behind Windows 10 in overall market share.

Adding to the complexity of Microsoft's messaging is the company's continued development of Windows 10. After initially declaring that major updates for Windows 10 would cease in 2023, Microsoft surprised observers by reopening its beta program for Windows 10 users to test new features earlier this year.