Upgrade Alert: Microsoft Pushes Windows 11 and Copilot PC with Full-Screen Ads

As the end-of-support date for consumer versions of Windows 10 approaches in October 2025, Microsoft will cease providing security updates for affected versions unless consumers opt for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which costs $30.

Microsoft is employing various strategies to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, which offers ongoing security support. The upgrade is free, provided the hardware meets certain requirements, such as a recent CPU, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), and support for Secure Boot.

Full-screen pop-up ads have become a common tactic, previously urging users to upgrade to Windows 11. However, Microsoft has introduced a new strategy with its Microsoft Copilot+PC brand, a collaboration with OEMs to promote AI-supported hardware devices. Consequently, pop-up ads now suggest upgrading to Windows 11 and purchasing a Copilot+PC.

This move is seen as an encouragement for users to buy new devices that meet the hardware requirements of Windows 11, well aware that many devices are ineligible for the upgrade due to hardware limitations.

The situation appears beneficial for both Microsoft and OEMs, as full-screen ads not only inform users of the impending end of support for Windows 10 but also expose the Microsoft Copilot+PC advertisement to Hundreds of millions of Windows 10 users worldwide.

Unfortunately, these full-screen ads cannot be permanently disabled. Users can only postpone them by selecting "remind me later," but Microsoft is likely to reintroduce them in new formats over time.

This practice is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, even beyond the support end date for Windows 10, potentially interrupting users' daily activities with occasional full-screen ads.