Microsoft will use its next Windows 10 update to pester you into finally switching to Windows 11
Microsoft has struggled to convince PC owners to leave behind Windows 10 for its next operating system
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When you install an update on your PC, you probably expect to see some improvements to performance, a few fixes for glitches, and maybe a new feature or two. But what you do not expect is the digital equivalent of a billboard advert for another operating system across your screen.
That’s exactly what’s coming in the next Windows 10 update, according to Windows Latest. The team unearthed a full-screen promotion for Windows 11 in an early beta version of the next Windows 10 software update, which is due to roll-out worldwide in the coming weeks.
After installing the update, you’ll be presented with a pop-up that extols the benefits of moving over to Windows 11. Microsoft has included three pages about its next operating system that you’ll need to skip through before you can get back to using Windows 10.
Microsoft takes over your screen with three separate pages about the benefits of upgrading to its follow-up to Windows, known as Windows 11
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“Moving to Windows 11 is seamless — it will download after you reach your desktop, so you can keep using your PC without interruptions,” the advert decares.
The pop-up continues:
- A familiar feel: Windows 11 has a new design that still feels familiar
- What you need — when and where you need it: Your files will come with you when you move to Windows 11
- Try without worry: If Windows 11 isn’t for you, you can go back to Windows 10 within the first 10 days of making the move
The pop-up highlights the “Download while using my PC”, while downgrading the “Decline upgrade” to a subtle text-only prompt that’s downplayed in the design.
If you’re only skim-reading the prompt, you could easily find yourself agreeing to download an entire operating system instead of skipping the advert.
Windows 11 launched over two years ago, but a huge number of users are still sticking with its predecessor. Estimates vary, but most analytics firms claim that over 60% of Windows computers are running Windows 10 compared with just 26% on the latest version of the Microsoft platform.
Microsoft has confirmed that it will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that deadline, the US company will no longer release new features, fixes for troublesome glitches, or patches for known vulnerabilities.
It could leave millions of Windows 10 users vulnerable to attacks and scams — unless they pay an extra fee each month.
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Before it retires Windows 10, Microsoft clearly hopes to PC owners to think again about Windows 11. The latter is still years away from losing support, so users will be safe from cyber attacks and scams.
It's also where Microsoft places the majority of its time and focus, with new AI features rolling out all of the time. CoPilot Pro, one of the latest announcements from the Redmond-based firm, can summarise lengthy email chains, generate new images based on your descriptions, and build Excel spreadsheets for you in seconds. Many of these features are free, although some come with a monthly cost.