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

[Skye Jacobs]

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.

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.

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

 

[yRaz]

Keep pushing, eventually you'll push everyone to Linux. And unlike with windows 7, there is actually is support for the modern desktop Linux user. Is it there year of the Linux desktop? Nah, were still a few years away but the only issue stopping gaming from working on linux is DRM and you can remove that.

Sometimes you need to try a few different version of proton, but you can just do a quick search to find the best version to use for a specific game.

 

[kaosken]

Win 11 updates are totally messed up. I have a Win 11 Pro PC running v 23H2 and it will absolutely not update to 24H.
Ends with a bogus error with zero info or solution.

 

[Cocojambo13]

M$$ really likes to push ppl to other OS, for free.

 

[poshflamingos]

I would love to upgrade my PC and laptop to Windows 11, but Microsoft decided their CPUs (which are still perfectly adequate) would not be supported.

I wonder what they expect me to do next year. Just throw my completely functional computers in the trash and get new ones just to upgrade my OS?

 

[SiJiL]

Let me move the taskbar to the side of my screen and I'll upgrade. Until then, I'll be staying on 10 until I have no choice.

 

[XP437]

I would love to upgrade my PC and laptop to Windows 11, but Microsoft decided their CPUs (which are still perfectly adequate) would not be supported.

I wonder what they expect me to do next year. Just throw my completely functional computers in the trash and get new ones just to upgrade my OS?

NO! do not upgrade. it is not an upgrade it is a downgrade

 

[GodisanAtheist]

I don't have any major beef with Windows 11. Already use it at work and frankly it's fine.

Just no good reason to really upgrade off of 10, no killer app for Win11 and some minor regression of basic features as well.

Will basically keep 10 right up until I have to upgrade to 11, then I will.

 

[Namtrooper]

Keep pushing, eventually you'll push everyone to Linux. And unlike with windows 7, there is actually is support for the modern desktop Linux user. Is it there year of the Linux desktop? Nah, were still a few years away but the only issue stopping gaming from working on linux is DRM and you can remove that.

Sometimes you need to try a few different version of proton, but you can just do a quick search to find the best version to use for a specific game.

To be honest. I am looking forward to having everyone moving over to the Linux ecosystem. I am personally fed up with all of Microsofts' half baked and poorly supported endeavours. And forcing ads and trying to jam monthly and yearly subscriptions for everything down all users throats is sickening to see everyday.

 

[yRaz]

To be honest. I am looking forward to having everyone moving over to the Linux ecosystem. I am personally fed up with all of Microsofts' half baked and poorly supported endeavours. And forcing ads and trying to jam monthly and yearly subscriptions for everything down all users throats is sickening to see everyday.

As I keep saying, you can only inconvenience people so much until it is more convenient to learn a new skill. I do feel that learning Linux, not just using it is a skill. But by learning it as a skill instead of just using it suddenly, everything just clicks in a way where it becomes easier. There is an "ah-ha" moment and you wonder why everything in the world doesn't work like that. Not gonna lie, that moment took me about 5 years and I don't expect people to learn Linux just to watch YouTube videos and run a word processor.

That said, android is a prime example of how the masses don't need to learn how the OS works in order to use it. My thing is that windows is so obscured these days for no real reason other than M$ doesn't want you using it in anyway they don't let you. The thing about that is I use an operating system to interact with my computer. The minute the OS stops allowing me to interact with my computer the way I want to then it becomes useless to me.

My only real issue is games and even that isn't a huge issue. If it's a single player game, I'll get the crack version and run it in wine. If it's a multiplayer gamer then I just don't play it. There are a million other games out there, it's not the end of the world if I can't play that one game

 

[XP437]

I would rather go to mac than to windows 11

 

[user478318]

Upgraded day one on Windows 11 release, never had any prompts or issues like these ;-)

But I resent them for even trying to convince knuckleheads to upgrade, leave them be, if they enjoy the crap windows 10 was

 

[LimyG]

The arrogance is amazing, but not surprising when it comes to MS. Remember Win 10 was touted as the last operating system ever! So much for that.

Win 10 won't become a huge security swiss cheese suddenly on OCT 2025 (They will probably be obilged to change this - for security patches at least.)

A large number of patches are are related to Remote functions.

Most serious infections are still due to user error, like opening att. on unknown emails, or falling for some sort of scam. No security patch can help sloppy PC security common sense use.

A Win 10 PC with all remote functions off, a decent third party anti malware product, plus a couple of free on demand malware scanners. As well as keeping all other software up to date, and most importantly sensible PC practice, which applies to all OSes regardless of suppport or not, and Win10 won't be a security risk for sensible users for a long time.

At some point in the distant future Win 10 will become unviable, but more likely to compatability issues with new software and services.

Heck, MS often has to patch it's own patches! At any given time I wonder how many undisclosed vunerabilities exist. How many totally unknown exist?

Other than the above there are other solutions too.

Personally as a user behind a good router, no remote and a few other group policy changes, plus "awareness," and good third party Anti Malware, Oct 2025 is a big zzzzzzzzzz non event for me.

 

[ethunhunt994]

Keep pushing, eventually you'll push everyone to Linux. And unlike with windows 7, there is actually is support for the modern desktop Linux user. Is it there year of the Linux desktop? Nah, were still a few years away but the only issue stopping gaming from working on linux is DRM and you can remove that.

Sometimes you need to try a few different version of proton, but you can just do a quick search to find the best version to use for a specific game.

You made a good point—Linux is growing in popularity, and with advancements in compatibility tools like Proton, gaming on Linux is becoming more feasible. DRM remains a major hurdle, but as you mentioned, it can be bypassed or worked around with the right tools. The “Year of the Linux Desktop” may still be a bit far off, but with more users embracing Linux for gaming and general use, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a more mainstream option. If gaming and open-source are your priorities, it’s worth considering.

 

[captaincranky]

Let me move the taskbar to the side of my screen and I'll upgrade. Until then, I'll be staying on 10 until I have no choice.

Ironically, Windows 7 allows you to place and lock the taskbar on all 4 corners of the screen. (I just tried it, this very minute).

Anyway, I've had 3 Maine Coon cats, (Mixes TBH),. They're not your typical "lap leopard". Rather, they like to "hang out" with their "owners". ("owner", yeah right). So, the next thing you know, you have a 20 pound cat planted on your desktop, covering up the taskbar. A quick click and drag to the top of the screen, and another click to lock, keeps everybody happy.

As I use vertical monitors for the web, the taskbar to the side would take up too much room, and somewhat impinge on my ability to say rude and controversial things. Hence, it would detract from my overall enjoyment of the experience.

 

[captaincranky]

NO! do not upgrade. it is not an upgrade it is a downgrade

Wow, and at only 9 posts, you catch on quick.

If M$ went back to their old scheme of code naming instead of numbering OS editions, ("Windows XP" ("Experience"), "Vista"), they would have to call this one, Windows "Vampire", or "Parasite", or, "Conspiracy with Hardware Manufacturers".

 

[captaincranky]

M$$ really likes to push ppl to other OS, for free.

"Free", is sort of a misnomer. When you consider increases in AI training access, and data mining opportunities that come with each one of their "free" OSes, you're still paying for it in one way or another.

Not to mention that M$ has to work closely with hardware manufactures regarding new instruction sets and whatnot.

So, desktop sales are off. What better way to prop them up, if not by using a new OS to render a huge chunk of current PCs obsolete?

Have you ever encountered the terms, "sh*thouse meetin', or "kickback"?
Perhaps I'm just a bitter, paranoid, senile, old man. But then again, maybe I'm not.

XP was well loved, and M$ got jacked up with it through 3 full service packs. They're not about to let that happen again, ever.

Especially since they hired "Satan" Nadella. Have you ever noticed there's only one letter difference between "Satya", and "Satan"? I certainly have.

 

[LimyG]

"Free", is sort of a misnomer. When you consider increases in AI training access, and data mining opportunities that come with each one of their "free" OSes, you're still paying for it in one way or another.

Not to mention that M$ has to work closely with hardware manufactures regarding new instruction sets and whatnot.

So, desktop sales are off. What better way to prop them up, if not by using a new OS to render a huge chunk of current PCs obsolete?

Have you ever encountered the terms, "sh*thouse meetin', or "kickback"?
Perhaps I'm just a bitter, paranoid, senile, old man. But then again, maybe I'm not.

XP was well loved, and M$ got jacked up with it through 3 full service packs. They're not about to let that happen again, ever.

Especially since they hired "Satan" Nadella. Have you ever noticed there's only one letter difference between "Satya", and "Satan"? I certainly have.

Just to add. The old "Gillet concept," springs to mind. For those who don't know offer a below cost core item, software OS, and charge a heap to add the stuff you want. One of the older consoles did that. If the ave user bought 4 games (on disk) they break even. 5+ = profit.

Only difference with MS is that they add ALL the bloat most users don't want too. For Free! Unless you use it to it's full. Subscription etc. MS is all about money, obviously.