Microsoft continues to aggressively promote Windows 11, designating 2025 as the “Year of PC Upgrades” and reiterating the end of support for Windows 10, scheduled for October 14, 2025. In a blog post preceding CES 2025, Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Chief Marketing Officer for Consumer Products, emphasized that the new OS offers cutting-edge artificial intelligence features and enhanced security.
“We believe that Windows 11 is available at a time when the world needs it most – providing advanced AI capabilities and modern security benefits that customers expect in 2025 and beyond,” Mehdi stated. However, the end of Windows 10 support renders the transition more of a necessity than a choice.
Despite Microsoft’s efforts, Windows 11 continues to face slow adoption rates. According to StatCounter, over 60% of computers still operate on Windows 10. Even new devices pre-installed with Windows 11 are often reverted to the older OS due to its stability and compatibility, analysts observe.
At the same time, Microsoft is actively promoting AI functionalities in new computers equipped with the Copilot+ system. However, devices running local AI workloads have been criticized for underwhelming performance, particularly in gaming. Nevertheless, the company remains steadfast in enforcing Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements, potentially rendering many devices obsolete as early as next year.
