Microsoft ending support for Windows 10: 240 million PCs Can Become e-waste
According to Canalys Research, Microsoft Corporation’s decision to stop supporting the Windows 10 operating system by October 2025 might lead to a major rise in electronic waste. Almost 240 million personal computers may become outdated and landfill debris in this scenario. The estimated mass of the electronic garbage originating from these PCs is around 480 million kg, a weight equivalent to 320,000 vehicles.
Microsoft said that, for an unknown yearly fee, it will continue to deliver security updates for Windows 10 devices through October 2028.
Canalys believes upgrading to a modern PC may be more affordable if the extended Windows 10 support price structure follows previous trends. This would result in more older PCs being sent for disposal.
E-Waste: No Statement by Microsoft Officials
By October 2025, Microsoft plans to stop supporting Windows 10. The upcoming operating system generation is expected to provide sophisticated artificial intelligence technologies to personal computers, which might stimulate the stagnant PC industry.
Microsoft did not answer an appeal for comment about the environmental effects of disposing of Windows 11 incompatible devices.
Hard drives from servers and personal computers are recycled to collect elements that may be utilized in motors for electric cars and even in producing renewable energy.
“Turning end-of-life computers into the magnets that power sustainable technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines will aid in meeting the increasing global demand for electricity,” said Noveon Magnetics Chief Commercial Officer Peter Afiuny.
Hard drives are frequently thrown away before they reach the end of their expiration date, according to Afiuny, which results in excess trash made of rare earth magnetic materials.
According to battery recycling company Redwood Materials, batteries may be recycled almost indefinitely to recover metals, including copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium.
But as India is a developing country, it needs more capacity or, to say, functionality to recycle e-waste properly all over the country; even in the most prominent cities, only a few e-waste recycling processing plants could lead to environmental damage at a greater level. But apart from this, what should you do if one or more of the Windows 10 PCs you are in charge of don’t pass Microsoft’s Windows 11 compatibility tests? There are three things you can do.
Option 1: Completely disregard the end-of-support deadline
There are no guidelines or strict deadlines for Windows 10, which means you can continue to use Windows 10. It is just users won’t be receiving any future updates without paying a penny. It is not recommended, but you can Completely disregard the end-of-support deadline.
Option 2: Buy security upgrades from Microsoft.
For Windows 10, Microsoft will continue to produce security updates, but they will not be given away for free. In December 2023, Microsoft introduced Extended Security Upgrades (ESUs), Windows 10 subscription-based updates that can last up to three years. How much do these improvements cost that requires payment? Microsoft claims that additional details would be supplied “later.”
Option 3: Utilising Other OS
While Windows is a favorite choice for many users, it is not true that you have to discard your devices completely. You can just dump Windows’s OS and use Linux and others. It will be the best economical solution for companies & organizations.
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