Microsoft Issues Free Update Offer-Windows Users Must Now Decide

Microsoft’s updates this month are something of a nightmare. Multiple fails, an emergency update and warnings on streaming sand saving files has created a minefield for affected users. But in the midst of this, there’s also a major decision to make.

This is all about Windows 10 and the 700 million (a number now increasing) users sticking with Windows 10 despite a 60-day warning that October’s security update will be their last. That’s unless and until they enroll in a 12-month security lifeline.

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Per Windows Latest, all those users will now “see full-screen ‘it’s time to upgrade your PC before the end of support’ banner more often. Windows Latest observed this behavior across dozens of our PCs and virtual machines using Windows 10.”

This begins “immediately” after you install August’s security update. “It’s quite obvious that you can’t ‘escape’ these full banners if you choose to keep running Windows 11.”

You can exit the nag but it’ll come back. And it will always include a helpful button that “instantly begins installing Windows 11.” There is a much smaller link to decline the upgrade and keep Windows 10, “which doesn’t really quit the campaign.”

If you do decline the upgrade, “Microsoft tries to convince you again with a slideshow of Windows 11’s new features.” You can then either download Windows 11 while using your PC or decline the upgrade offer.” That’s where the decision making kicks in.

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Again with August’s update, the free 12-month support offer has been issued to millions more Windows 10 users. You will see the enrollment button (if it’s made its way onto your PC) on the Windows 10 update screen. You can then select the option that works for you. If you use your account and OneDrive, you can do this for free.

Microsoft has confirmed that October’s security update will be your last unless you enroll in an extension option or upgrade to Windows 11. Don’t leave it too late and make sure that’s done well ahead of the deadline. It’s just not worth the risk.