Arrr! The endin' o' support fer Windows 10 be a calamity, makin' 240 million PCs walk the plank into oblivion!
2023-12-21
Arr, matey! Ye scurvy dogs at Windows 11 be requirin' specs as strict as a captain's code! Analysts be warnin' that hundreds o' millions o' PCs be doomed for the scrapheap! Shiver me timbers, what a tragedy!
In a humorous tone, an analyst firm called Canalys has warned that Windows 10's end-of-support date in October 2025 could lead to an environmental disaster as old PCs may end up in landfills. The concern is that the hardware requirements for Windows 11, which exclude older CPUs and machines without Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 security functionality, mean that these computers likely won't be recycled either. Canalys estimates that around 240 million PCs, which is approximately one-fifth of all Windows 10 devices, could become e-waste, creating a pile of folded laptops stacked 600km taller than the moon.However, Microsoft does offer ways to extend support for Windows 10 at a cost. Users can pay for updates to continue to be received, as was the case with Windows 7. This option can provide an additional three years of support. Nonetheless, Canalys argues that the increasing costs of this scheme may not be a cost-effective solution for most businesses and individual users, making upgrading to a Windows 11 system a more sensible choice from a cost perspective.
This situation has put growing pressure on Microsoft, as concerns about e-waste continue to mount. Previous forecasts have also highlighted the potential for a significant rise in junked computers with the end of support for Windows 10. However, the main issue lies in the concrete wall that Windows 11's requirements, particularly the need for TPM 2.0, create for upgrading. It remains to be seen how Microsoft will respond to these calls for action, but the company has recently shown a commitment to more sustainable and easily repaired hardware.
Ultimately, while operating systems cannot last forever, the looming environmental impact of outdated PCs ending up in landfills poses a significant problem. It is hoped that Microsoft will address these concerns and find a way to mitigate the potential e-waste crisis.