Microsoft is updating the OS, and the world is facing a wave of electronic waste.
Analysts warn that Microsoft's plans to end support for Windows 10 could lead to a global increase in e-waste, as millions of devices are expected to be recycled in the coming years. A study by Canalys shows that up to 240 million PCs worldwide may be scrapped due to the transition to Windows 11, which raises important questions about device life and manufacturers ' responsibility for extending them.
A key issue pointed out by Canalys is Microsoft's current practice regarding device compatibility with Windows 11. The minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC require a processor with a frequency of at least 1 GHz and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. Data storage requirements are also set at at least 64 GB.
Many devices that will be written off after the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025 do not meet the stated requirements, despite the fact that they are in "good condition" and can be recycled by enterprises. According to the consulting company, most of the 240 million such devices will end up in landfills. Analysts emphasize that the mass disposal of electronics will seriously affect the environment and urge manufacturers to actively support the idea of a closed production cycle.
"Manufacturers should initially include the possibility of repair and disposal in the design of devices, and OS developers should ensure safe use for as long as possible," the company said.
Canalys also warned that the transition to Windows 11 in the coming years will put a significant strain on the IT budgets of organizations that are trying to reduce costs amid the economic crisis.
In December, Microsoft decided to extend security updates for Windows 10 until 2028. This means that users will be able to receive important updates even after official support ends. However, you will have to pay for these updates, although it is not yet known how much.
It is noted that the cost of extended support for Windows 7 was initially $ 25 per PC per year, but over time increased to $ 100 per device. If Microsoft applies a similar pricing model for Windows 10, the transition to new PCs compatible with Windows 11 will be more profitable, and this, in turn, will lead to an increase in the volume of obsolete computers intended for recycling.
Analysts warn that Microsoft's plans to end support for Windows 10 could lead to a global increase in e-waste, as millions of devices are expected to be recycled in the coming years. A study by Canalys shows that up to 240 million PCs worldwide may be scrapped due to the transition to Windows 11, which raises important questions about device life and manufacturers ' responsibility for extending them.
A key issue pointed out by Canalys is Microsoft's current practice regarding device compatibility with Windows 11. The minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC require a processor with a frequency of at least 1 GHz and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. Data storage requirements are also set at at least 64 GB.
Many devices that will be written off after the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025 do not meet the stated requirements, despite the fact that they are in "good condition" and can be recycled by enterprises. According to the consulting company, most of the 240 million such devices will end up in landfills. Analysts emphasize that the mass disposal of electronics will seriously affect the environment and urge manufacturers to actively support the idea of a closed production cycle.
"Manufacturers should initially include the possibility of repair and disposal in the design of devices, and OS developers should ensure safe use for as long as possible," the company said.
Canalys also warned that the transition to Windows 11 in the coming years will put a significant strain on the IT budgets of organizations that are trying to reduce costs amid the economic crisis.
In December, Microsoft decided to extend security updates for Windows 10 until 2028. This means that users will be able to receive important updates even after official support ends. However, you will have to pay for these updates, although it is not yet known how much.
It is noted that the cost of extended support for Windows 7 was initially $ 25 per PC per year, but over time increased to $ 100 per device. If Microsoft applies a similar pricing model for Windows 10, the transition to new PCs compatible with Windows 11 will be more profitable, and this, in turn, will lead to an increase in the volume of obsolete computers intended for recycling.
