Microsoft recently declared 2025 as “the year of the Windows 11 computer refresh", highlighting the importance of upgrading to its latest operating system as the end of Windows 10 approaches.
Now, the company has issued another reminder to users, urging them to leave Windows 10 behind, because Windows 11 will be available for free "for a limited time only."
In one recent publication In a Tech Community post, Microsoft outlines what customers can do to avoid being left behind when Windows 10 mainstream support ends. If you want to upgrade without buying new hardware, Microsoft suggests checking if your system meets the Windows 11 requirements because it seems the company has no intention of falling behind.
Those who can't upgrade due to incompatibility and can't afford to buy a new computer can opt for the Extended Security Updates program, which costs $30 for 12 months of additional support. However, it only entitles users to security updates and doesn't include new features.
But what's interesting about this post is how Microsoft is using its old tricks to create a sense of urgency by calling the path to Windows 11 "free for a limited time."
Ten years ago, Microsoft tried to do the same, offering upgrades Windows 10 “free for one year”However, once the time was up, Windows 10 remained free.
We don't know what will happen with the free upgrade offer on October 15, 2025. That door may indeed close, but considering that Windows 11 is quite a ways behind Windows 10, one could assume that Microsoft's threat to charge for Windows 11 is another bubble.
If not, there is always another way (or even Linux).
George is still wondering what he is doing here….
