Microsoft may send 240 million computers to landfills by ending support for Windows 10
Microsoft’s plan to end support for the Windows 10 operating system could lead to the disposal of about 240 million personal computers (PCs), potentially increasing the amount of waste in landfills.
This was reported by Reuters with reference to a report by Canalys Research.
It is noted that e-waste from these PCs can weigh approximately 480 million kilograms, which is equivalent to 320 thousand cars.
“While many PCs can remain functional for many years after the end of OS support, Canalys warns that demand for devices without security updates may be low,” the agency writes.
Microsoft has announced a plan to provide security updates for Windows 10 devices until October 2028, after ending support in October 2025, for an undisclosed annual fee.
This will be possible as part of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which is already offered for Windows 7 and provides monthly security updates and technical support for a separate annual fee.
“If the pricing structure of Windows 10 extended support reflects past trends, upgrading to newer PCs may be more cost-effective, leading to an increase in the number of older PCs being sent for recycling, Canalys notes.
Microsoft plans to stop supporting Windows 10 by October 2025. The next generation of OS, which is expected to bring advanced artificial intelligence technology to PCs, could potentially boost the sluggish PC market,” Reuters adds.
