Google has launched an advertising campaign targeting Windows 10 users with pop-up messages that imply the operating system is risky. The ads encourage users to switch to Chromebooks as the official end-of-life date for Windows 10 is officially here.

The pop-up advertisements are said to be appearing on Google.com for those still using the decade-old operating system. The timing coincides with today's deadline, after which users will need to sign up to an extended support program if they plan on using Windows 10 past the due date. In most countries this requires a payment (cash or Microsoft Reward points) or signing up to backups on One Drive.

Google's Security-Focused Advertising

A central theme of Google's marketing push is the security of its ChromeOS platform. The campaign specifically promotes the premium Chromebook Plus models, positioning it as a safer alternative to Windows-based machines.

One advertisement makes the bold claim that the Chromebook Plus is "the laptop that has never had a virus." This message is clearly designed to appeal to users concerned about malware and other security threats. (Source: techradar.com)

Chrome Browser to Offer Upgrade Guidance

In a seemingly separate but related effort, Google is also reportedly testing a new feature within its Chrome browser. This feature is designed to check whether a user's Windows 10 PC is capable of upgrading to Windows 11.

This informational tool is expected to appear as a banner in Chrome's settings, providing users with clarity about their hardware's compatibility with the newer Windows version. This offers a more helpful and less sales-oriented approach compared to the pop-up ads. (Source: windowslatest.com)

This two-pronged strategy combines aggressive marketing with helpful guidance. It appears calculated to influence Windows 10 users who must soon decide whether to upgrade their hardware, transition to a new operating system, or risk using unsupported software.

However, Google may also be using the feature to figure out how big the Windows 10 market will be after the deadline and thus whether it's worth continuing the ad campaign.

What's Your Opinion?

Do you find Google's pop-up ads helpful or overly aggressive? Would the claim that a laptop has "never had a virus" persuade you to switch from Windows to a Chromebook? How should Microsoft respond to Google's campaign as the Windows 10 end-of-life date gets closer?