Microsoft has recently taken a bold stance, urging users to transition from Windows 10 to its new line of Snapdragon ARM-based Copilot+ PCs. The tech giant has introduced a feature allowing users to trade in or recycle their Windows 10 devices directly through Windows Update, emphasizing the impending end of support for the operating system on October 14, 2025.
In a press release dated September 18, titled “Empowering the future: The expanding Arm app ecosystem for Copilot+ PCs,” Microsoft elaborated on the advantages of adopting ARM technology. While the full blog post may be lengthy, it contains intriguing insights that are worth noting.
Microsoft’s narrative is clear: as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, the company is positioning ARM-based PCs as the future of computing. The press release highlights the importance of “device refresh cycles” and suggests that now is the time to consider an upgrade. The company stated, “With device refresh cycles on the horizon, Windows 10 approaching end of support on Oct. 14, 2025, AI-powered PCs are becoming essential tools for enhancing productivity.”
Moreover, Microsoft is keen to dispel the myth that ARM PCs cannot run apps natively. The company asserts that compatibility issues have largely been resolved, with native ARM versions of applications now accounting for 90% of total user minutes. This includes a range of security, VPN, and endpoint-management tools tailored for enterprise needs, alongside popular productivity and creative applications.
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What benefits can users expect when upgrading to an ARM Copilot+ PC? Microsoft touts impressive specifications, including on-device AI capabilities (approximately 40 TOPS), extended battery life (around 15 hours for web browsing and 22 hours for local video), and performance enhancements that reportedly make these devices up to 85% faster than the MacBook Air M2 and 47% faster in AI tasks compared to the M3 chip. Additionally, users can expect a 35% increase in performance while using Office applications.
As the end of support for Windows 10 looms, Microsoft’s marketing strategy will increasingly target Windows 10 users and IT departments, encouraging them to opt for ARM Copilot+ PCs during their next upgrade cycle. This marks a significant shift in messaging, as previous campaigns did not specifically endorse ARM devices over others.
With this new direction, Microsoft is not only advocating for its latest technology but also inviting users to rethink their computing needs in light of evolving software and hardware capabilities. The question now remains: will Windows 10 users embrace this shift to ARM hardware?
