Canalys Research has raised concerns over Microsoft’s decision to terminate support for Windows 10, potentially triggering the disposal of a staggering 240 million PCs and exacerbating the global e-waste crisis. While some devices may retain functionality post-support, Canalys predicts a low demand due to security update deficiencies, compelling users to discard aging computers.
Microsoft’s slated end for Windows 10 support is October 14, 2025, with an extension offering paid security updates until October 2028—although the annual cost remains undisclosed. If historical pricing trends continue, migrating to new PCs might emerge as a more cost-effective option than sustaining older counterparts, funneling a significant volume of outdated PCs into landfills, contributing to an estimated 480 million kg of e-waste.
While components of discarded computers can be extracted and recycled, Canalys emphasizes the environmental impact of improper disposal. Laptop batteries, rich in lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper, offer sustainable recycling potential. Additionally, repurposing materials from computer and server hard drives can contribute to electric car engines and renewable energy production. However, challenges persist, particularly with hard disks often being discarded prematurely, resulting in an unnecessary surplus of waste rare earth magnetic materials.
Source: Reuters