A new advertisement for Windows 11, along with its accompanying laptops, has recently made its debut on the official Windows YouTube channel. Titled “Right Side of Risk,” the 30-second clip serves as a reminder that Windows 10 will cease to receive security updates this October—a message Microsoft has been communicating to its substantial user base still reliant on the older operating system.
The ad urges viewers to “upgrade now” while showcasing a sleek new laptop in the background, emphasizing the transition to a Windows 11 Pro PC with Intel Inside to “stay on the right side of risk.” The targeted messaging, particularly the focus on Windows 11 Pro and features such as “simple, fast, and reliable deployment,” suggests a clear aim at corporate entities and IT managers. This approach seems somewhat peculiar, given that these professionals will have relatively straightforward (albeit costly) access to security updates for Windows 10 even after the October deadline.
Despite the impending end of support, Windows 10 remains immensely popular, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Microsoft previously marketed it as “the last Windows,” hinting at a vision of ongoing upgrades and support—an assertion that has since evolved. Compounding the situation is the perception that Microsoft is making the transition to Windows 11 increasingly cumbersome for users.
Ultimately, the decision to phase out Windows 10 rests solely with Microsoft. This strategy raises questions about the motivations behind creating a dilemma that necessitates a solution, whether in the form of a Windows 11 license or a new laptop. Such tactics may not resonate well, especially as the relevance of Windows appears to be waning in the current technological landscape.
