For several years, Microsoft has been on a determined mission to transition Windows 10 users to its latest operating system, Windows 11. As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 looms on October 14, 2025, this strategy appears to be bearing fruit. Windows 11 has recently achieved a remarkable milestone, capturing a desktop market share of 42.69%, and its growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.
Windows 10’s Farewell Checklist
However, a newly released end-of-support checklist raises eyebrows with its tone and content. Rather than serving as a straightforward guide for a seamless upgrade, the checklist reads more like a poignant farewell to beloved devices. It suggests that users should prepare to part ways with their Windows 10 machines, hinting at a desire for them to be replaced rather than upgraded.
This checklist, while outlining Windows 11’s minimum hardware requirements, seems to imply that Microsoft is encouraging users to consider new hardware altogether. Critics have long speculated that the stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11 were not solely about performance but were also designed to stimulate sales of new devices. The recent checklist lends credence to these suspicions, blurring the lines between necessity and marketing strategy.
The organization of the checklist itself is telling. It begins with instructions to back up data and erase the machine for those planning to recycle or donate their old devices. It emphasizes responsible recycling and even suggests trading in older machines for discounts on new Windows 11-compatible computers. The brief mention of system requirements in the introduction is overshadowed by the overall somber tone of the document.
Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has undergone significant evolution, particularly with the integration of generative AI, which has raised the bar for hardware specifications. The minimum requirements may no longer suffice for users seeking the full experience, especially as Microsoft continues to prioritize AI capabilities. The introduction of Copilot+ PC-branded laptops, equipped with advanced processors for enhanced AI performance, underscores the urgency for users to consider upgrading their aging Windows 10 devices.
As the landscape of computing continues to evolve, it appears that the era of older Windows 10 machines is rapidly approaching its conclusion, prompting users to reevaluate their hardware choices in light of the advancements offered by Windows 11.
