Microsoft is ushering in a new era for its flagship operating system, rolling out sweeping artificial intelligence (AI) upgrades to Windows 11 and firmly signaling the end of free security support for Windows 10. The move, announced on October 16, 2025, marks a pivotal shift for millions of PC users worldwide and puts the company’s AI assistant, Copilot, at the very core of the Windows experience.
For many, this transition is more than just a software update. Windows 10, introduced in 2015, has been a staple for a decade, powering personal and professional computers across the globe. Its successor, Windows 11, launched in 2021, is now set to become the foundation for what Microsoft calls the “AI PC”—a device that interacts naturally with users, understands context, and even takes actions on their behalf. But as Microsoft pushes forward, not everyone is ready—or able—to make the leap.
As reported by the Associated Press, Microsoft’s decision to end free security support for Windows 10 has left hundreds of millions of users facing a stark choice: continue using unsupported devices and risk cyberattacks, or upgrade to new hardware capable of running Windows 11. Brenna Stevens of the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group summed up the dilemma: “With the end of Windows 10, users face the choice between exposing themselves to cyberattacks or discarding their old computers and buying new ones.”
Consumer advocates have raised concerns about the environmental impact of this transition. Nathan Proctor, who leads PIRG’s Right to Repair campaign, warned that “most people faced with unsupported devices are likely to either keep using them despite the vulnerabilities or throw them away,” a scenario that could generate massive amounts of toxic electronic waste. Both PIRG and Microsoft urge users to avoid sending old computers to landfills, but the pressure to upgrade is unmistakable.
Microsoft’s strategy to entice users centers on a host of new AI features designed to make Windows 11 not just smarter, but more intuitive and helpful. The headline feature is Copilot Voice, which allows users to simply say “Hey, Copilot” to begin interacting with their PC by voice. This opt-in feature, now available for all Windows 11 PCs, aims to make conversational interaction as transformative as the introduction of the mouse and keyboard. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the consumer division, emphasized the significance: “Conversing with a laptop will be as transformative as the mouse and keyboard in shaping the PC experience.”
According to Microsoft’s own data, users engage with Copilot twice as much when using voice compared to text, highlighting the growing appeal of natural, hands-free interaction. The new voice mode is complemented by Copilot Vision, a globally available AI feature that can analyze and provide feedback on whatever is happening on a user’s screen—be it documents, video games, or creative projects. Copilot Vision supports full desktop and app sharing, offers tips and guided support, and even provides in-depth context in applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
One of the most anticipated updates is the forthcoming Text-in Text-out capability for Copilot Vision, which will let users converse with the AI entirely through text. This feature, soon available to Windows Insiders, addresses scenarios where voice interaction isn’t practical or preferred, making AI support accessible in more environments.
The integration of Copilot doesn’t stop there. Microsoft is reimagining the Windows taskbar, introducing an “Ask Copilot” feature that transforms the taskbar into a dynamic hub for productivity. With a single click, users can access Copilot Vision and Voice, streamlining the way they interact with their computers. The refreshed search experience promises lightning-fast results, drawing from apps, files, and settings without granting Copilot access to personal content.
For power users and early adopters, Microsoft is previewing Copilot Actions within Copilot Labs. This experimental feature enables Copilot to take actions directly on local files—such as sorting vacation photos or extracting data from PDFs—simply by describing the task in plain language. While still in its early stages, this agentic capability represents Microsoft’s ambition to make the PC a true partner in getting things done.
Personalization is another key focus. Copilot connectors allow users to link services like OneDrive, Outlook, and even Google Drive and Gmail, enabling the AI to search personal content and surface relevant information across platforms. Need to find a dentist appointment, retrieve a contact’s email, or pull up a school paper? Copilot can do it with a simple request. Users can also export Copilot’s results directly into Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents, streamlining workflows for students and professionals alike.
Microsoft is also making it easier to manage PC settings through natural language. By asking Copilot questions like “Make my screen easier to read” or “Help me focus by reducing distractions,” users are guided directly to the relevant Windows settings, lowering the barrier for those less familiar with technical menus.
The updates don’t end with productivity. New AI actions in Windows 11 include Manus, an AI agent capable of creating websites from local documents in minutes, and seamless video editing with Filmora directly from File Explorer. Gamers, too, are getting a boost: the ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices now integrate Gaming Copilot, offering real-time recommendations and insights without interrupting play.
Security remains a top priority as Microsoft rolls out these powerful new features. The company asserts that Windows 11 is “the most secure operating system we’ve ever made—by design and by default.” Copilot Actions are off by default, and users have full control over what the AI can do, with transparency into its actions and the ability to pause or disable features at any time. Microsoft is taking a cautious approach, introducing these capabilities in preview and gathering feedback to refine security and privacy controls.
For those considering the upgrade, Microsoft and its partners offer a wide range of Windows 11 PCs, including Copilot+ models equipped with neural processing units for advanced AI experiences. From the affordable Acer Aspire 14 AI to the high-end Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16, there’s a device for every need and budget. Surface Copilot+ PCs, powered by Snapdragon Series X, promise long battery life and a suite of AI features in sleek designs.
Business customers aren’t left out, with resellers like Bechtle, CDW, and ComputaCenter providing scalable solutions for organizations ready to make the switch. Microsoft encourages users to explore the latest Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs through global retail partners and to get started with new Copilot features via updates from the Microsoft Store.
As millions weigh their options in the wake of Windows 10’s end, Microsoft’s message is clear: the future of personal computing is intelligent, interactive, and AI-driven. Whether users embrace the change or hold on to their trusted old devices, the landscape of everyday computing is set to change dramatically—and quickly.
