Microsoft is not altering the conclusion of Windows 10’s support timeline, but the company is exploring the introduction of additional Artificial Intelligence features.
By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC games, systems, and technology. He established WinRumors, a platform dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.
Microsoft is introducing its AI-powered Navigator to Windows 10. In a surprising move, the tech giant will soon roll out Copilot for Windows 10 to Insider Preview testing, shortly after hinting at a halt in significant Windows 10 updates.
“It presents a significant opportunity for us to extend Copilot’s reach to more customers,” explains Aaron Woodman, Vice President of Windows Marketing, in a discussion with The Verge. Despite the Windows 10 end of support looming within two years, Microsoft aims to leverage its AI initiatives among the millions of PCs that have yet to transition to Windows 11 to access features like Navigator.
Navigator in Windows 10 functions similarly to its Windows 11 counterpart, featuring a panel on the right side of the taskbar for quick access to the chatbot. Users can customize this button, although it may not mirror the exact functionality of the Windows 11 version, especially concerning the management of Windows features and settings.
“There will be some noticeable differences,” Woodman notes. “Certain tasks or functionalities available in Windows 11 may not be present in Windows 10, hence not supported by Copilot.”
While Windows 10 has lower hardware requirements compared to Windows 11, Microsoft suggests that a minimum of 4GB of RAM and a 720p camera quality should suffice for Copilot. The testing phase currently includes Windows 10 Home and Pro users, with plans to address Copilot implementation on enterprise versions of Windows 10 promptly.
In a recent statement, Microsoft mentions that it is “reassessing its Windows 10 strategy and will be making additional investments to ensure every Windows PC user can maximize their experience, including Copilot in Windows (in preview).”
This potential enhancement may involve the integration of more AI capabilities into Windows 10. When asked about the possibility of Windows 10 receiving new AI features like Ink in Windows 11, Woodman stated, “We are exploring some other AI capabilities for end-users, such as Paint, but these are quite resource-intensive components that rely on the device’s silicon.” The minimum system requirements provide a solid foundation for ensuring functionality, allowing for confident performance on Windows 11. While the decision to extend this flexibility to Windows 10 is pending, it is under consideration.
What implications does this hold for the future of Windows 10 and its critical end-of-support deadline? Microsoft is expected to maintain its current stance. Woodman clarifies, “This is the final iteration of Windows 10, namely 22H2, and there are no alterations planned in that regard.” The end-of-support date for Windows 10, set for October 14, 2025, remains unchanged.
Given the widespread use of Windows 10 and the slower adoption rate of Windows 11, there have been speculations about a potential extension of support for Windows 10. Reports indicate that Windows 11 had only reached 400 million devices after two years. In comparison, Windows 10 achieved the same milestone one year after its launch, reaching 600 million devices a few weeks into its second year.
Anticipation is growing for a new Windows iteration from Microsoft in 2024. Intel recently teased a “Panels refresh” for 2024, aiming to boost its revenue. Rumors of a Windows 12 edition surfaced in domestic Intel documents several months ago.
