Analysts are warning that Microsoft’s plan to end support for Windows 10 could result in a significant increase in global electronic waste. According to a study by Canalys, the transition to Windows 11 could lead to up to 240 million PCs being disposed of in the coming years. This raises important questions about the lifespan of devices and the responsibility of manufacturers for their disposal.
The key issue highlighted by Canalys is Microsoft’s current practice regarding device compatibility with Windows 11. The minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC include a processor with a minimum frequency of 1 GHz and at least 4 GB of RAM. Storage requirements are also set at a minimum of 64 GB.
Many devices that will become obsolete after Windows 10 support ends in October 2025 do not meet these requirements, despite being in good condition and suitable for processing by enterprises. Canalys states that the majority of the 240 million devices will end up in landfills. This mass disposal of electronic devices will have a significant environmental impact, and suppliers should focus more on supporting a closed production cycle.
“Manufacturers should design devices with repair and disposal in mind, while OS developers should ensure safe and extended use,” said Canalys.
Canalys also cautions that the transition to Windows 11 in the coming years will place a significant burden on the IT budgets of organizations, who are already trying to reduce expenses due to the economic crisis.
In December, Microsoft announced that it would extend security updates for Windows 10 until 2028. This means that users will still be able to receive important updates even after official support ends. However, these updates will come at a cost, although the pricing has not yet been determined.
It is worth noting that the cost of extended support for Windows 7 initially started at $25 per PC per year, but eventually increased to $100 per device. If Microsoft follows a similar pricing model for Windows 10, it may be more cost-effective for users to transition to new PCs compatible with Windows 11, resulting in a greater volume of outdated computers intended for disposal.