By Liam Alderson.
Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, technical assistance, or free software updates for Windows 10. While the PC will still work, Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11.
The end of support for Windows 10 could lead to a significant amount of e-waste:
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Environmental impactThe hard drives from these computers could be recycled to make materials for electric vehicles and renewable power generation. However, hard drives are often discarded before they reach the end of their useful life, which creates a waste of rare earth magnetic material.
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Strain on IT budgetsOrganizations may have to tighten their budgets due to the strain of dealing with the e-waste.
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Lack of demandMany of the PCs will still be usable, but there will be little demand for them. This is because Windows 11 has hardware requirements that rule out some older PCs.
To help with the transition, Microsoft has announced that Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 will be available until October 2028 for a fee. Microsoft also has a trade-in program that allows users to recycle their PCs and receive some cash.
If you plan to recycle, sell, or gift your Windows device, make sure to remove all personal information from it first.
