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With Windows 10 Support Ending, Is a New ARM AI PC a Smart Upgrade Choice?
Your Windows 10 computer has a deadline. After October 14, 2025, it will no longer receive important security updates from Microsoft. This means your computer could become unsafe to use. Microsoft knows many people need to decide what to do next. Their advice is clear: they think you should buy a new type of computer called a Copilot+ PC, one that uses a special chip known as ARM.
This message is a big change. Microsoft is now actively encouraging its most loyal Windows 10 users to move to a different kind of hardware. They are even putting reminders inside Windows 10 updates that let you start a trade-in process. A recent announcement from the company explains their thinking. It shows a plan to convince people that these new ARM computers are the right choice for the future, especially as the Windows 10 end date gets closer.
The Push for a New Computer
Microsoft sees the end of Windows 10 support as a natural time for people to buy new machines. They refer to this period as a “device refresh cycle.” In a September blog post, the company connected this cycle directly to the need for modern computers with artificial intelligence, or AI. The post subtly guides readers from the fact that Windows 10 is ending to the conclusion that an ARM-based Copilot+ PC is the best replacement.
The company’s message is carefully crafted. It starts by reminding everyone of the October 2025 deadline. Then, it suggests that new AI-powered PCs are becoming essential tools for work and daily life. The final piece of their argument is that these new, exciting possibilities are best found on Copilot+ PCs that run on ARM architecture. This is a very specific recommendation. It targets not only individuals using old computers at home but also businesses that need to plan their next technology upgrades.
Overcoming Old Perceptions About ARM
For years, some people have been wary of Windows computers with ARM chips. The main concern was about software compatibility. Most Windows programs, often called Win32 apps, were built for computers with chips from Intel or AMD. ARM chips work differently, so running those older programs required a translation process called emulation. This translation could sometimes be slow or cause programs to not work correctly. Many users, especially those comfortable with Windows 10, saw this as a major drawback.
Microsoft is now working hard to change this perception. The company states that the app compatibility problem is largely a thing of the past. Their research found that for the vast majority of the time people spend on their computers, they are using apps that now run natively on ARM. Native apps are programs that have been specifically rebuilt to work perfectly with ARM chips, so no slow translation is needed. They just work.
To prove this point, Microsoft highlights the growing number of programs now available in native ARM64 versions.
- Productivity and Creativity: Many popular applications for work, creativity, and communication are now fully optimized for ARM. This includes web browsers, office software suites, and tools for photo and video editing.
- Business and Security: For companies, Microsoft points out that essential security tools, VPNs for secure connections, and other management software are ready for ARM. This is crucial for IT departments that need to ensure a smooth and secure transition when upgrading their employees’ computers.
- Social and Entertainment: Popular apps for social media, streaming video, and other entertainment have also been updated to run natively, ensuring a smooth experience.
The message is that the software ecosystem has matured. The risk of your favorite program not working is much lower than it was a few years ago, making the switch from a Windows 10 PC less of a gamble.
The Benefits of an ARM Copilot+ PC
Beyond just working, Microsoft argues that these new computers offer clear advantages over your old Windows 10 machine. The upgrade provides tangible improvements in performance, battery life, and intelligent features. These are not small adjustments; they represent a significant step forward in personal computing.
Key Upgrades You Can Expect
On-Device AI
The “Copilot+” name refers to powerful AI capabilities built directly into the computer. These PCs have a special component that handles AI tasks with incredible speed, measured at over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This means AI features like real-time language translation or advanced image editing can happen instantly on your machine without relying on an internet connection. It makes the computer a smarter and more responsive tool.
Exceptional Battery Life
ARM chips are known for being very energy efficient. Microsoft claims these new laptops can last for about 15 hours of continuous web browsing or up to 22 hours of watching locally stored videos on a single charge. For many users, this means getting through an entire workday or a long flight without ever needing to plug in.
Impressive Performance
These machines are not just efficient; they are also powerful. Microsoft has shared data showing that in certain tasks, these new ARM PCs are significantly faster than competing laptops. For example, they report faster performance in common Microsoft Office applications and more powerful AI processing compared to Apple’s M3 chip. This combination of long battery life and strong performance is a key selling point.
Microsoft is positioning this upgrade as more than just a necessary step due to the end of Windows 10. They are presenting it as an opportunity to get a computer that is fundamentally better in several key areas. The focus has shifted from just recommending any new PC to specifically guiding Windows 10 users and businesses toward the unique benefits offered by the ARM Copilot+ platform.