With support for Windows 10 set to end in the fall, Microsoft is ramping up efforts to convince users to upgrade to Windows 11. But while the strategy initially relied on ads and pop-ups, the tech giant is now taking a more direct approach: emails urging users not just to upgrade, but to completely replace their PCs.
The reason? Windows 11's strict hardware requirements mean that many older computers are not compatible with the new operating system. In fact, almost all PCs released before 2018 do not meet the necessary standards, either due to the lack of a compatible processor or because they do not have TPM 2.0.
Why is Microsoft insisting on the upgrade?
Microsoft's strategy is not just about selling Windows 11 licenses, but also about boosting the hardware market. By forcing users to abandon their old PCs, the company is indirectly stimulating the laptop and desktop manufacturing industry. Analysts expect this to have a significant impact on the enterprise segment, where companies will have to invest in updated IT infrastructure.
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However, for home users, things are not so simple. Windows 10 is still stable, familiar and, most importantly, functional. Steam Hardware Survey statistics show that even gamers prefer Windows 10, with it having a market share of about 60%, compared to less than 40% for Windows 11.
There are, however, unofficial solutions to install Windows 11 on incompatible PCs, but these can cause security issues and a lack of official updates. But, many users will prefer to use Windows 10 as long as it remains functional. And look how Linux is becoming an attractive alternative for those who don't want to invest in a new PC just to use Windows 11.
Although Microsoft hopes that the end of support for Windows 10 will lead to a massive migration to Windows 11, users don't seem very eager to take this step. If the enterprise segment will accept the change for security and compliance reasons, home users may prefer to pull on their PCs as much as possible.
So we are faced with an interesting reality: Microsoft is pushing hard into the future, but millions of users are not ready to leave the past behind.
