This week brought another indication that sticking with Windows 10 might soon no longer be an option, as eligible PC users could soon be forced to upgrade. That means the free upgrade offer could expire before you know it—leaving the decision out of your hands. As I’ve warned before, Microsoft’s fine print in recent Windows 10 updates is hinting at this shift.
Earlier this year, Microsoft automatically installed its new Outlook client on Windows 10 devices. Then it did the same with Windows 11 version 24H2 for PCs running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11—specifically those not managed by IT departments.
But a more significant change came last year when Microsoft quietly rolled out the KB5001716 patch to Windows 10 PCs. This patch included a warning: if your version of Windows reaches its end of support, your PC may automatically attempt to download and install a feature update.
Such a move would affect an estimated 400 million users of Windows 10. As another wave of upgrade warnings surfaces on social media, Windows Latest has reported that “Windows 10 support ends on October 14, and while you can extend support for one year by paying $30, Microsoft will otherwise force supported PCs to upgrade to Windows 11—whether you like it or not.”
Two major questions will define the next 100 days:
- How many eligible Windows 10 PCs will upgrade?
On that front, Microsoft got a bit of surprising good news this month: millions of users who had been inactive for months are suddenly upgrading. This means Windows 11 may soon overtake Windows 10 in market share for the first time. But it’s not there yet—over half of users are still on Windows 10, which is concerning. - How many PCs are not eligible for the free upgrade?
Analysts estimate that at least 240 million PCs fall into this category—possibly more. These devices cannot be forced to upgrade and don’t qualify for a free update either. For continued protection, their owners will have to pay Microsoft for a 12-month security update extension, or risk being left vulnerable to attacks.
The deadline to keep in mind for Windows 10 is October 14. Microsoft and PC manufacturers are actively trying to persuade these 240 million users—and even many with eligible devices—to buy new “Copilot PCs.” Microsoft insists that this push is all about “securing your future.”
Discover more from AM TechHive
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
