Microsoft's operating system evolution has been a major topic in the tech world for the past few years. As the end of support for Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025, the company has been working tirelessly to steer its users towards Windows 11. As a result of this effort, Windows 11 now has an all-time high of 42.69% market share on desktops, while Windows 10 still leads with a share of 54.2%.
To make Windows 11 more appealing, Microsoft is marketing it as a secure, smooth, and feature-rich operating system. However, this transition is not going to be easy. Convincing Windows 10 users is not just about the software upgrade but also about the hardware requirements. Microsoft's recently published end-of-support checklist makes this point even clearer.
This checklist looks more like a guide than a simple list, as it is a guide to saying goodbye to old hardware. Windows 11’s minimum hardware requirements have become a stumbling block for many users. Microsoft is suggesting that these requirements are necessary not only to run the operating system but also to experience its full potential. It may seem like a subtle tactic, but its purpose is clear.
Microsoft’s approach is encouraging users to buy new hardware—especially modern devices like the Copilot+ PC—rather than simply asking them to upgrade their software. Many Windows users see this as a marketing ploy, criticizing it for prioritizing sales over security. The suggestions in the checklist—update Windows, back up files, and then recycle or trade-in old hardware—further reinforce these suspicions.
Read Also: The Evolution of Windows 11: From Controversy to Market Dominance
With this checklist, Microsoft is sending a clear message: It’s better to buy a new Windows 11 device than to stick with your old PC. This is further reinforced by the modern hardware demands, such as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, in the minimum requirements of Windows 11. While these requirements were controversial when Windows 11 launched in 2021, they have now become commonplace on modern hardware.
However, Windows 11’s AI-based features and innovations like Copilot+ have further increased these requirements. These features work best with the NPUs in new processors from companies like Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD. As a result, users using Windows 11 with older hardware will not be able to experience its full potential, which will only provide them with a limited experience.
This strategy by Microsoft is trying to establish Windows 11 as a modern tech ecosystem, not just an operating system, by pushing users towards newer hardware. However, this transition has left many users confused about what to do with their older devices. While Microsoft is suggesting recycling or trade-in options for them, it is not a complete solution to the problem.
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 seems like a temporary solution for many. This is because the upgrade will provide a sub-par experience for them with older hardware, and Microsoft does not intend to support this group for long. As a result, users are being pressured to completely replace their devices.
With Windows 10’s end of support approaching, users still have some time. They can use their old hardware to its limits or repurpose it with an alternative operating system like Linux. However, it is becoming clear that the future of Windows will be AI-driven and hardware-driven.
Microsoft’s steps in this direction have taken Windows 11’s minimum requirements from controversial to obsolete. The company’s focus is on creating an AI-powered platform with modern hardware. Devices that don't keep up with this vision will soon be left behind, and Microsoft is already moving in that direction.
Ultimately, upgrading to Windows 11 isn't just a software change, it's also a hardware decision. Users need to consider whether their laptop or PC is ready for this new era. While Microsoft is working to make this transition easier, its focus is clearly on new hardware, and it's going to be a challenge for those who want to stick with older devices.