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In a startling revelation, Canalys Research has sounded the alarm about Microsoft’s decision to end its support for the Windows 10 OS, leading to approximately 240 million PCs being discarded.
Despite the end of OS support, these devices could remain functional for years. However, Canalys has warned that the demand for PCs without security updates may diminish.
Microsoft’s decision could result in an unprecedented surge of electronic waste – around 480 million kilograms, equivalent to as many as 320,000 cars.
Recently, the tech giant announced its plans to continue offering security updates until October 2028 for devices running on Windows 10 OS. However, there’s a catch in the form of an undisclosed annual fee, which could prompt users to upgrade their systems at a significant cost.
Microsoft Schedule Discontinuation of Support for Windows in October 2025
Microsoft has remained tight-lipped regarding inquiries about the environmental impact of discarding old devices.
Microsoft has scheduled the imminent discontinuation of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, marking a crucial moment in the tech industry.
Windows 11, the next-generation OS, is set to revolutionize PCs by integrating them with AI features, likely boosting the PC market in the coming years.
However, experts, tech enthusiasts, and environmentalists have raised questions about the sustainability of this decision and its overall impact on the environment.
Exploring Alternative Paths for Sustainability
In PCs, vital components like hard drives and servers storing data are often disposed of prematurely. However, Peter Afiuny, the Chief Commercial Officer of Noveon Magnetics, has proposed a possible solution.
Turning end-of-life computers into the magnets that power sustainable technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines can help meet the rising global demand for electricity. Peter Afiuny, CEO, Noveon Magnetics
Redwood Materials, a battery recycling firm, is also focusing on the potential of recycling batteries, suggesting that it’s possible to infinitely recycle batteries to recover essential metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium.
Ultimately, alternative approaches have emerged to manage electronic waste responsibly and extract necessary resources from discarded PCs.
As the tech industry undergoes continual advancements, the corresponding environmental consequences cannot be overlooked. Microsoft’s decision to phase out Windows 10 has raised concerns that require serious attention. Both consumers and industry leaders need to act responsibly to mitigate the adverse impact on the environment.