Microsoft Encourages Windows 10 Users to Upgrade to ARM-based Copilot+ AI PCs with Windows 11

Microsoft is urging users to transition from Windows 10 to the latest Snapdragon ARM-based Copilot+ PCs. Recently, the tech giant introduced a toggle within Windows Update, enabling users to trade in or recycle their Windows 10 devices. The company’s new marketing strategy emphasizes the switch to ARM-based PCs, particularly as support for Windows 10 is set to expire on October 14, 2025.

On September 18, Microsoft released a blog post titled “Empowering the Future: The Expanding ARM App Ecosystem for Copilot+ PCs”. While the lengthy post covers various aspects of ARM-based computers, you may want to consider the highlights instead of reviewing the entire content.

The main thrust of Microsoft’s campaign is its focus on the approaching end-of-support for Windows 10, which they suggest should prompt users to refresh their devices with a recommendation for ARM-based PCs. The blog states, “With device refresh cycles on the horizon and Windows 10 nearing the end of support, AI-powered PCs are becoming essential tools for productivity, ”capturing user interest in the capabilities of Copilot+ PCs.

Microsoft extols the virtues of the ARM ecosystem, attempting to persuade both consumers and businesses that these new devices are superior to existing Windows 10 systems. The company aims to dispel the myth that app compatibility is an issue on ARM PCs. In fact, Microsoft highlights that the compatibility gap for native apps on ARM64 has largely been bridged.

For users unfamiliar with the technicalities, Win32 applications have traditionally been designed for Intel and AMD processors. However, with VMs (Virtual Machines) or specific ARM64-compiled versions, you can now run these applications on ARM PCs. While many major software developers have launched ARM-compatible versions of their programs, older applications or indie developers may not yet offer this support.

According to Microsoft’s findings, an impressive 90% of user engagement time is spent on apps that have native ARM versions. The company also points to a suite of security, VPN, and endpoint-management solutions optimized for ARM, along with popular productivity and creativity applications that are now natively compiled.

The Advantages of Upgrading to an ARM Copilot+ PC

What benefits can users expect when upgrading to an ARM Copilot+ PC from a Windows 10 device? Microsoft claims these advanced ARM PCs boast impressive features, including on-device AI with performance reaching around 40 TOPS, lengthy battery life (approximately 15 hours for web use and 22 hours for video playback), and significantly enhanced performance — showcasing speed up to 85% faster than the MacBook Air M2, 47% faster AI capabilities compared to M3, and 35% quicker performance in Microsoft Office applications.

As the deadline for Windows 10’s end of support approaches, Microsoft is expected to target its marketing efforts toward the Windows 10 user base, nudging them toward choosing ARM Copilot+ PCs for their next upgrade.

Windows 11 Copilot+ PC ad — Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

This marks a strategic pivot from Microsoft’s earlier generic endorsement of “any Copilot + PCs.” Previous advertisements encountered by Windows Latest targeted a broader range of AI PCs and did not explicitly highlight ARM. In this latest approach, Microsoft is distinctly advocating for ARM PCs tailored for Windows 10 users.

What are your thoughts? Are you considering replacing your current Windows 10 device with ARM hardware? Share your opinion in the comments below.

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