The death of Windows 10 will be a big problem: 240 million computers will end up in the trash
The end of life of Windows 10 could create a huge environmental problem with millions of devices going to the trash. A Canalys study suggests that about 240 million of computers around the world could become obsolete when moving to Windows 11.
One of the key concerns highlighted by Canalys focuses on Microsoft’s current practices regarding device compatibility with Windows 11. The minimum system requirements to install this new version involve having a processor of at least 1 GHz, 4 GB of RAM and a minimum of 64 GB of storage.
Many devices expected to be discarded after the Windows 10 support deadline, scheduled for October 2025, they will not meet these requirementsdespite being in good condition and potentially recyclable.
It warns that, unfortunately, many of these devices could end up in trash and eventually landfills. “If all of these were folded laptops, stacked one on top of the other, they would form a stack 600 kilometers higher than the moon,” explains the consultant.
A Microsoft solution regarding Windows 10 that doesn’t work
Canalys highlights the urgency for device manufacturers and service providers softwarelike Microsoft, “maximize the useful life of the products.” The consultancy also highlights the need to incorporate durability, repairability and recyclability criteria in the design of devices, with a more prominent focus on supporting the objectives of the circular economy.
Even though Microsoft has announced plans to provide extended security updates for Windows 10 through 2028, allowing users to receive critical patches after the official end of support deadline, Canalys notes that the associated fees could be a big problem, so it seems that it will be of little use.
“If Microsoft seeks a similar pricing structure for extended Windows 10 support, the most cost-effective option will be migrating to newer Windows 11-capable PCs, forcing older PCs to be scrapped,” they conclude.
