As the clock ticks down to October 2025, Windows 10 users are facing a pivotal moment. Microsoft has announced that support for this operating system will officially come to an end, leaving users without access to free security updates, new features, or technical assistance. While your device will continue to function, the absence of updates poses significant risks, exposing it to potential threats from hackers and malware.
<source media="(max-width:767px)" srcset="https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/06/06/550×309/clint-patterson–jCY4oEMA3o-unsplash17491998526991749199869973.jpg” alt=”Microsoft’s urgent message: Upgrade to Windows 11 for security and peace of mind – before Windows 10 support ends(Unsplash)” title=”Microsoft’s urgent message: Upgrade to Windows 11 for security and peace of mind – before Windows 10 support ends(Unsplash)”/>
In a bid to encourage users to transition to Windows 11, Microsoft is employing innovative advertising strategies. A recent campaign on the official Windows YouTube channel emphasizes the importance of being on the “right side of risk” by making the switch. While Windows 11 offers enhanced security features, the ad’s reception is mixed, as many perceive it as a marketing tactic to boost software sales amidst the impending end of Windows 10 support.
Why Microsoft wants users to switch
Windows 11 is not a newcomer; it has been in circulation for nearly five years. In contrast, Windows 10 has enjoyed a decade-long tenure since its launch on July 29, 2015. One of the more contentious aspects of this transition is Microsoft’s stringent requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which has sparked frustration among users who argue that such hardware should not be a prerequisite for running the latest operating system.
To clarify, TPM is a dedicated chip designed to provide hardware-level security services, safeguarding personal information and credentials from unauthorized access. Microsoft has firmly established TPM 2.0 as a non-negotiable requirement for upgrading to Windows 11. This stipulation has left many users with older PCs unable to make the leap, effectively trapping them on an outdated operating system that may not offer adequate security moving forward.
While Microsoft has introduced an extended support program for Windows 10, the associated costs are anything but trivial. Pricing starts at (over ₹5,000) for the first year, escalating to 2 (over ₹10,000) for the second year, and reaching 4 (over ₹20,000) for the third year per device. This pricing structure raises questions about customer-friendliness, as Microsoft appears to be steering users toward an upgrade to Windows 11. Whether this strategy will yield the desired results remains to be seen.