Microsoft's Windows 10 Support Discontinuation Puts Millions of PCs at Risk of Disposal, Contributing to Landfill Waste

Canalys Research has raised concerns over Microsoft Corp's plan to end support for the widely used Windows 10 operating system. It is estimated that this decision could lead to approximately 240 million personal computers (PCs) being disposed of, potentially adding to landfill waste.

Reuters reported that the electronic waste generated from these discarded PCs is expected to weigh around 480 million kilograms, equivalent to 320,000 cars.

Extended Windows 10 Support Presents Cost-Effectiveness Dilemma

Microsoft's announcement of providing security updates for Windows 10 devices until October 2028, with an undisclosed annual price, has led to discussions regarding the cost-effectiveness of migrating to newer PCs.

Canalys suggests that if the pricing structure for extended Windows 10 support follows past trends, opting for newer PCs may be a more economical choice. However, according to The Economic Times, this could result in an increased number of older PCs heading to scrapyards, adding to electronic waste.

While many PCs may still remain functional for years after the end of operating system (OS) support, Canalys has warned that the demand for devices lacking security updates is likely to be low. This raises concerns about these devices' fate and impact on the environment.

Microsoft's Ambitious Plan for Windows 10's Successor

Microsoft aims to discontinue support for Windows 10 by October 2025 in anticipation of the next generation of the operating system. The upcoming OS is expected to integrate advanced artificial intelligence technology, potentially revitalizing the sluggish PC market. This shift could have both positive and negative implications for the environment.

Environmental Impact of Disposing Windows 11-Incompatible Devices

Despite Microsoft's ambitious plans, concerns over the environmental impact of the disposal of Windows 11-incompatible devices remain unanswered. The company has yet to comment on this issue, leaving uncertainties surrounding properly handling these potentially large quantities of electronic waste.

Recognizing the need for sustainable practices, initiatives are being undertaken to recycle various components of discarded PCs. For example, hard drives used in personal computers and data storage servers can be recycled to recover materials suitable for use in electric vehicle motors and renewable power generation. This approach helps meet the rising global demand for electricity while reducing waste.

Peter Afiuny, Chief Commercial Officer of Noveon Magnetics, emphasizes the importance of repurposing end-of-life computers. By transforming obsolete PCs into magnets, they can contribute to sustainable technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. This approach reduces waste and supports the growing demand for renewable energy.

Battery recycling has emerged as a crucial aspect of sustainable resource recovery. Firms like Redwood Materials highlight the recyclability of batteries, allowing for the recovery of valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. Their nearly infinite recyclability reduces the reliance on mining and the environmental impact of battery disposal.

Afiuny raises concerns regarding the excessive waste of rare earth magnetic materials caused by prematurely discarding hard drives. By properly managing the end-of-life cycle of computing devices, we can minimize waste and ensure the responsible use of resources.

Photo: Tyler Lahti/Wikimedia Commons(CC by 4.0)