Microsoft is turning up the pressure on Windows users again. In just one week, the company has made moves that will affect millions of PCs, leaving many wondering if they’ll need to upgrade their devices soon.
The big issue? Windows 10. Out of 850 million Windows 10 users, nearly half—about 400 million—might be stuck because their older PCs don’t meet the hardware security requirements for Windows 11. And with support for Windows 10 ending soon, time is running out. Microsoft hasn’t budged on its strict rules, making it clear: upgrade your PC or face the risks.
Starting next month, Microsoft will automatically install its new Outlook email client on all Windows 10 devices. On top of that, they’re rolling out Windows 11 version 24H2 to eligible systems that haven’t been upgraded yet. If your device is reaching the end of its support lifecycle, Microsoft might try to install updates automatically. The company says these updates are necessary to keep devices secure and introduce new features.
But here’s the catch: many older PCs can’t handle Windows 11. Those users are facing a tough choice—spend money on new hardware now or delay until October 2026 with a $30 annual support extension. Microsoft has already labeled 2025 as the “year of the Windows 11 upgrade,” pushing users to act quickly.
There’s more urgency too. After October 2025, Microsoft 365 apps won’t work on Windows 10. Security risks will also increase since no updates mean vulnerabilities will go unchecked. With Windows still a major target for cyberattacks, leaving millions of devices unsupported isn’t an option.
In the end, Microsoft seems determined to get everyone on board with Windows 11, whether users are ready or not. So, if you’re still holding on to Windows 10, now’s the time to plan your next move.