AI updates arrive for Windows 11; support ends for Windows 10
The Associated Press
Microsoft is encouraging people to talk to their laptops as it rolls out new artificial intelligence updates to Windows 11 and pushes users to phase out its predecessor, Windows 10.
Microsoft ended free security support for Windows 10 this week, though millions of people still use personal computers running the older operating system.
To entice people to upgrade, the software giant on Thursday announced new Windows 11 features, most of them further integrating the company’s AI chatbot, Copilot, into the experience of using a laptop.
Among the features is a voice mode that enables users to dictate “Hey, Copilot” to start chatting with their computer instead of typing or clicking a touchpad.
Microsoft first introduced Windows 10 a decade ago and launched its successor, Windows 11, in 2021.
But many people around the world still are using Windows 10, particularly those with older computers that can’t upgrade to Windows 11. Consumer advocates have spent months petitioning Microsoft to extend technical support for an estimated hundreds of millions of devices that will no longer get automatic security fixes.
“With the end of Windows 10, users face the choice between exposing themselves to cyberattacks or discarding their old computers and buying new ones,” said Brenna Stevens of the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, which advocated on behalf of local repair shops, students and others.
Microsoft has said people can pay extra for a year of extended security support through October 2026.