After a decade of service, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for one of the world’s most widely used operating systems. In its place, the company is ramping up efforts to transition users to Windows 11, powered by new artificial intelligence features designed to transform how people interact with their PCs.
The company is betting that AI-driven innovations — such as the new Copilot Actions system and expanded integration with desktop and web applications — will entice millions of users to upgrade. According to Microsoft executives, these features could redefine personal computing by automating complex tasks and making everyday workflows more intuitive.
AI Takes Center Stage in Windows 11
Users enrolled in both the Windows Insider Program and the Copilot Labs group will gain early access to Microsoft’s upgraded Copilot assistant. This AI-powered agent can perform multi-step actions on command — such as resizing photos, organizing files, or even creating playlists from Spotify — using locally stored data and online tools.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Chief Consumer Marketing Officer, demonstrated how users could ask Copilot to “put all available Brian Eno songs into a Spotify playlist and press play.” The new version of Copilot will leverage local desktop functions and online integrations to execute tasks seamlessly, bringing the concept of a true “digital coworker” closer to reality.
From Corporate Agents to Consumer AI
The technology behind Copilot Actions builds on Microsoft’s previous enterprise-focused AI initiatives, where businesses could create computer-use agents capable of performing multiple steps through typing and clicking. Competitors like Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI have all developed similar systems, but Microsoft’s approach is now expanding into the consumer space through Windows 11.
Copilot Actions will be turned off by default but can be enabled within a secure sandbox environment featuring its own desktop interface. Users can observe each step as the AI completes tasks — or take control at any moment. Alternatively, they can continue using their computer as Copilot works in the background.
“You may see the agent make mistakes or encounter challenges with complex interfaces,” Mehdi wrote in a blog post. “That’s why real-world testing is critical — it helps us make this experience more capable and streamlined over time.”
Gradual Rollout and New Features
As part of the phased rollout, Windows 11 testers will first see Copilot integrated into File Explorer. In partnership with Singapore-based startup Manus, users will be able to right-click any file and choose “Create website with Manus,” automating the process of turning local content into a web page.
Other updates include Copilot Vision, an enhanced feature allowing users to ask Copilot to analyze what’s currently visible on their screen through text chat — expanding on the existing voice-only interaction. Microsoft also plans to introduce a redesigned Copilot shortcut located beside the Start button, offering quick access to both visual analysis and spoken AI conversations with a single click or by saying, “Hey Copilot.”
Windows 11 Gains Ground as Adoption Grows
Launched in 2021, Windows 11 has steadily gained traction. It recently surpassed Windows 10 in user adoption for the first time, according to data from Statcounter, capturing 72% of the desktop operating system market by September 2025. Microsoft’s Windows and devices division generated $4.3 billion in revenue last quarter, up 2.5% year-over-year.
With its focus on AI innovation, Microsoft hopes to win over users of Apple’s Mac and Google’s Chrome OS devices, positioning Windows 11 as the most advanced AI-integrated desktop platform available. The company says it will proceed cautiously to ensure security and transparency, limiting AI access to specific folders like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures unless explicitly approved by the user.
The end of Windows 10 marks more than just the retirement of a legacy system — it represents Microsoft’s full pivot toward AI-native computing. As Copilot Actions and other intelligent features roll out, Windows 11 aims to redefine the personal computer experience, blending automation, creativity, and productivity into a single AI-powered ecosystem.