Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2 Directly, Featuring Microsoft’s AI-Powered Productivity Enhancements

In a notable shift, Windows 10 is now set to upgrade directly to Windows 11 25H2, skipping intermediary updates like versions 24H2 and 23H2 for users who choose to upgrade instead of enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU).This change indicates that Microsoft is expanding access to Windows 11 25H2, which has been available for approximately two months.

Although Windows 10 reached the end of its support lifecycle on October 14, Extended Security Updates (ESU) offer continued support for users willing to maintain their systems. Enrolling in ESU is straightforward, requiring only a link to a Microsoft account. However, it’s essential to note that this option does not signify Microsoft’s endorsement for users to remain on Windows 10 indefinitely.

Upon booting Windows 10 with an ESU subscription, I noticed a new notification alerting me to try the Windows 11 25H2 update. Importantly, the upgrade was not mandatory; Windows began the download process only after I actively selected ‘Download and install.’

Interestingly, I observed a new full-screen pop-up that partially obscured my display. It featured a vivid wallpaper on the left and displayed the message, “Upgrade your PC for free, ” alongside a warning about the conclusion of Windows 10 support as of October 14, 2025. The pop-up emphasized that upgrading to Windows 11 would enhance security, performance, and access to new features.

This promotional push from Microsoft suggests a strategic intent to transition users to the latest version of their operating system. Windows 11 25H2 has been reported to be stable, addressing many previous bugs, including issues with DRM-protected content. This stability is a decisive factor for users contemplating the upgrade.

It’s worth noting a peculiar trend: the full-screen end-of-life notifications do not provide options to subscribe to ESU directly. Instead, Microsoft advocates for upgrading to Windows 11 when devices are eligible. For unsupported devices, the recommendation leans towards purchasing a new Copilot+ PC.

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

Such notifications might evoke a sense of urgency among users, reinforcing the belief that they risk missing out on vital updates. It is crucial to highlight that Windows 10 can still be utilized through subscriptions for ESU.

Emphasizing “AI-Powered Productivity”with Windows 11

In another promotional effort via X, Microsoft emphasizes the advantages of Windows 11, particularly its “AI-powered productivity, ” which includes:

Enhanced protection against evolving cybersecurity threats
Full support for Microsoft 365 applications

According to Microsoft, transitioning from Windows 10 today aligns users with a more secure future. Their latest advertising push states, “Windows 10 standard support has ended. Stay on the right side of risk, upgrade now to the power of Windows 11 Pro PCs with Intel vPro.”

However, it’s striking that neither the ominous pop-ups nor marketing campaigns emphasize the continued availability of Windows 10 Extended Security Updates. This omission appears deliberate, as Microsoft clearly favors promoting Windows 11 usage.

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