Microsoft Urges Users to Recycle Old PCs and Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft is ramping up the pressure on Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 or buy a new PC that is compatible with the latest version of the OS. In addition to pop-up notifications on devices, Microsoft has started sending out emails warning that Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, and there will be no more security updates after that date.

Image source: Microsoft

In the newsletter, Microsoft writes: “After October 14, 2025, free software updates from Windows Update, technical support, or security fixes for Windows 10 will no longer be provided.” At the same time, as PCMag specifies, users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 and are provided with a link to additional information.

Image source: Microsoft

The situation with upgrading to Windows 11 is complicated by the fact that a huge number of devices released before 2018 do not officially meet the requirements of Windows 11, since they do not have a TPM 2.0 security module. According to the American non-profit organization (PIRG), in 2025 about 1 billion computers may find themselves without any support because they will remain on Windows 10.

Microsoft also urged users to either find a way to upgrade or buy a new PC that is compatible with Windows 11. The letter also suggests recycling or selling older computers (apparently for a very low price).

Interestingly, despite the strong push to upgrade, Windows 10 still holds 58% of desktop PCs worldwide, while Windows 11 only holds 38%, according to Statcounter data from February 2025. For those who don’t want to upgrade, Microsoft recommends at least backing up their files with OneDrive. Additionally, users can extend Windows 10 support for a year by paying $30 for additional security updates.