Microsoft wants you to upgrade to Windows 11 or buy a new computer

If you’re still running Windows 10 on your PC, you’re probably familiar with Microsoft’s reminders that you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free right now. Of course the crowd of reasonsWindows 10 remains the most popular operating system even though Windows 11 was released in 2021.

However, time is running out for those who cling to Windows 10. A few months ago, Microsoft announced that free security and performance updates for Windows 10 will be comes to an end in October 2025. While you will still be able to use Windows 10, you will have to pay for updates and support.

For many PC users, this could be the biggest reason to allow and upgrade to Windows 11.

But, wait! Adopting Windows 11 may not be the end of your upgrade. In fact, Microsoft may require you to buy a whole new computer.

Microsoft’s Windows 11 watermark warning

More shops be recently be careful that upgrading to Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware resulted in a watermark being displayed on the user’s desktop informing them of the situation.

According to Microsoft support page“when Windows 11 is installed on a device that does not meet the basic system requirements, a watermark is added to the Windows 11 desktop.”

Microsoft also added a disclaimer to its support page that reads:

This PC does not meet the basic system requirements to run Windows 11 – these requirements help ensure a reliable and high-quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may cause compatibility issues. If you continue to install Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and will not be entitled to updates. Damage to your PC due to lack of compatibility is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. By selecting Accept, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this statement.

Microsoft also offers users a a guide to going back to Windows 10 if your PC does not meet those minimum requirements. However, with the recently announced sunset of free support for Windows 10, this no longer seems like a good long-term option.

So, in a little less than a year from now, PC owners with older computers will be left with a choice: Buy a new computer and upgrade to Windows 11 or keep your old computer and stick with an unsupported operating system – unless of course. decide to pay for Windows 10 support. Basically, there is no free upgrade to Windows 11 for older PC users. You will probably have to pay one way or another.

Microsoft has yet to announce any pricing model for those who would like to stick with Windows 10.