Microsoft has declared 2025 the “Year of the Windows 11 PC Refresh,” signaling a major push to encourage users to upgrade from Windows 10. With Windows 10 support ending in October 2024, the company is accelerating its efforts to drive adoption of its newer operating system. This follows last year’s “Year of the AI PC” initiative, which focused on integrating artificial intelligence into computing through Copilot Plus-powered PCs. Microsoft is now emphasizing that upgrading a Windows 10 PC is a more impactful technological upgrade than purchasing a new television or smartphone in 2025.
At CES 2025, Microsoft, while lacking a physical presence, exerted significant influence. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, stated that upgrading to Windows 11 will be a key technological refresh for consumers this year. He highlighted Windows 11’s importance in the current technological landscape, particularly in advancing AI innovation, pointing to upcoming features like Recall and the AI-powered Windows Search as key drivers of this advancement. Microsoft’s impact at CES was further demonstrated through AI-driven announcements concerning its Copilot assistant on LG and Samsung TVs and active participation by executives like Jason Ronald and Pavan Davuluri in partner events.
Despite Windows 11’s lag in overall adoption compared to its predecessor, it has gained significant traction within the gaming community, becoming the most popular operating system for PC gamers on Steam. Recognizing user hesitancy, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 for the first time, providing an additional year of updates for a $30 fee. This underscores Microsoft’s strategic approach of combining aggressive promotion of Windows 11 with a measured response to user concerns surrounding the transition.
As the end of Windows 10 support draws near, Microsoft’s commitment to Windows 11 remains steadfast. The company is leveraging a combination of advanced AI features and strategic partnerships to shape the future of the PC experience and drive wider adoption of its newest operating system.