As the curtain rises on 2025, Microsoft is orchestrating a grand finale for Windows 10, with support set to sunset in October. The tech giant, having spent 2024 enticing users with full-screen upgrade prompts, has now boldly christened 2025 as "the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh".
This proclamation follows Microsoft's 2024 "year of the AI PC" campaign, which culminated in the launch of Copilot Plus PCs. Now, as Windows 10's twilight approaches, Microsoft is leveraging its CES presence to underscore a pivotal message: refreshing your Windows 10 PC should take precedence over upgrading your TV or smartphone in 2025.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, articulates this vision with conviction: " As CES 2025 begins, showcasing the latest innovations in technology, we are excited for the advancements our industry will offer to people around the globe". “And we believe that one of the most important pieces of technology people will look to refresh in 2025 isn’t the refrigerator, the television or their mobile phone. It will be their Windows 10 PC, and they will move forward with Windows 11”
Mehdi's enthusiasm for Windows 11 is palpable, positioning it as a timely solution for our evolving digital landscape. He asserts that " the forefront of AI innovation will be realized on Windows," setting the stage for an AI-centric 2025. This year promises to be a watershed moment for Windows AI features, especially after the much-anticipated Recall feature faced delays in 2024. The tech community also eagerly awaits the rollout of enhanced AI-powered Windows Search capabilities to Insiders.
While Microsoft may not have a physical booth at CES, its influence permeates the event. From a plethora of new laptop announcements to the surprising integration of Copilot AI assistant into LG and Samsung TVs, Microsoft's presence is undeniable. Industry insiders anticipate cameo appearances by Microsoft executives at various CES press events, with Jason Ronald, Microsoft's vice president of "next generation," already slated to grace Lenovo's handheld gaming PC event.
As Windows 11 adoption continues to trail behind its predecessor, Microsoft's year-long campaign to drive upgrades is hardly surprising. While Windows 11 has claimed the throne as the most popular OS for PC gaming on Steam, Microsoft's unprecedented offer of Extended Security Updates to consumers later this year adds an intriguing twist. The tech world watches with bated breath to see how many users will opt for the £30 annual update fee versus making the leap to Windows.
In this high-stakes game of digital evolution, Microsoft is betting big on 2025 being the year when Windows 11 finally claims its rightful place as the operating system of choice for millions of users worldwide.
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