Do those users continue to use Windows 10 with no further security updates, pay Microsoft a fee to get updates, or upgrade to Windows 11? The latter involves a free software update or buying a new computer.

Many Windows fans don’t want to upgrade to Windows 11 as their computers are old enough that they might not be able to cope with the newer operating system. But Microsoft is upping its communication with these PC owners in an attempt to convince them to purchase a newer machine.

At last count, 62.7 percent of Windows users worldwide are still using Windows 10, with Windows 11 lagging behind on 34.1 percent. That’s not a great showing for a desktop operating system that launched in 2021, supposedly to replace its predecessor.

In an attempt to try and move users to the newer software, as spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft has now emailed some Windows 10 users with a message entitled, “End of support for Windows 10 is approaching”. The email has a heading that says “What can I do with my old computer?”, under which there are links to “Trade it in or recycle it with local organisations”.

This continues Microsoft’s tactic in moving away from simply advising Windows 10 users to update their computers to Windows 11, and is suggesting they should trade in or recycle their “old” computer for money off something new.

It follows the firm posting on its website last year: “If you have an older PC, we recommend you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot, and today's computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure.”

The new email message, pictured below, reaffirms Windows 10 PCs will continue to work after the October deadline passes, but makes sure to say how secure Windows 11 is and that if you are continuing to use Windows 10 you should use OneDrive, Microsoft’s paid cloud storage service, to back up your data.

The message fails to point out you could alternatively back up your data on a physical hard drive without the monthly subscription cost that OneDrive entails.

It’s common for technology hardware to come to end of life as its components age or software support ends, but the reaction to the death of Windows 10 has been particularly notable. People out there, according to the stats, are still using Windows 10 computers, and they resent the fact Microsoft is suggesting they need to trade in, sell or throw away their machine - Microsoft is, after all, ending support.

Many scores of people worldwide will be using Android phones whose software support ended long ago, but there seems to be less public awareness of the risks. To give Microsoft its due, it is at least informing Windows 10 users of the risks of sticking with older software, even if users disagree with the company’s decisions.