Microsoft released Windows 11 back in 2021, but three years later, statistics show that it is only installed on about 33 percent of PCs worldwide. That’s compared to almost 63 percent on Windows 10, the previous version launched in 2015. Now Windows 10 users and users of even older versions of Windows are being urged by Microsoft to buy a brand new PC to upgrade to Windows 11.
As Neowin has noted, Microsoft has quietly updated its official guidance for unsupported versions of Windows, which currently includes Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. These outdated operating systems no longer receive security updates from Microsoft and are therefore susceptible to attacks from hackers who look for bugs and vulnerabilities in software to gain access to your personal and sensitive data.
On a support frequently asked questions (FAQ) page of its website, Microsoft has changed its advice for customers who want to “stay supported on Windows”, with the tech giant saying it is “recommended” to get a “new PC running Windows 11”. buy. .
“Windows 11 is the most recent version of Windows,” Microsoft said. “If you have an older PC, we recommend moving to Windows 11 by purchasing a new PC. Hardware and software have improved greatly and today’s computers are faster, more powerful and more secure.”
This is because Windows 10 is getting closer to its end-of-life date, which is set for October 14, 2025. With just over a year to go, Microsoft is warning customers still using the old operating system that they will no longer be able to use it after that date. receive important security solutions.
“An unsupported version of Windows will not receive software updates from Microsoft,” Microsoft said, referring to Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
“These updates include security updates that protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information. Windows Update also installs the latest software updates to improve Windows reliability, including new drivers for your hardware.”
The company noted that it does not provide unsupported versions of Windows with “technical support for any issue,” “software updates,” or “security updates or fixes.”
“We recommend upgrading to a version of Windows that is still supported,” the report said. “A new device that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and a great experience.”
While buying a new PC is the main recommendation, you can also check if your current Windows 10 machine can download the free Windows 11 update. You can check the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 here.
Windows 11 can also be purchased for compatible PCs if you find you need a new software license.
If you’re using a very old version of Windows, you may be able to update to Windows 10 and take advantage of the last 12 months of official support. Microsoft then recommends using the cloud storage-based subscription service OneDrive to migrate your data to a new computer.