At a time when electronic waste is growing globally year after year, a decision by Microsoft is raising widespread environmental concerns. Approximately 400 million personal computers are officially ineligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, potentially driving millions of users to dispose of fully functional devices.
اضافة اعلان
When Microsoft launched Windows 11 in 2021, many users discovered their PCs did not meet the upgrade requirements.
This was not a major issue in the following years because Windows 10 continued to receive feature and security updates, according to a report by SlashGear.
However, the situation changed on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10.
Since that date, devices running standard editions of Windows 10 no longer receive regular core security updates.
In response, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which extends security patches through October 12, 2027, with free access available for certain eligible users.
The main driver of this issue is the strict hardware requirements Microsoft introduced with Windows 11—most notably TPM 2.0, Secure Boot capability, and relatively newer processor generations.
Microsoft states these requirements aim to improve performance, security, compatibility, and system reliability.
However, these criteria exclude a vast number of PCs that remain fully capable of running Windows 10 smoothly.
According to a report by PIRG, the affected devices total around 400 million computers, and discarding them could generate up to 1.6 billion pounds of e-waste.
Will All These Devices Turn to Waste?
Naturally, no. Not every PC ineligible for Windows 11 will automatically end up in a landfill.
Some users may adopt alternative operating systems, while others might use unofficial workarounds to install Windows 11.
Others will continue using Windows 10, recycle their hardware, or repurpose their devices for different tasks instead of discarding them.
Proof that legacy hardware can survive is that some machines still run systems like Windows XP—despite support ending over a decade ago—alongside devices running Windows 7, which lost support years ago.
However, running an unsupported operating system for an extended period leaves devices increasingly vulnerable to security flaws and cyberattacks.
What Options Are Available for Windows 10 Users?
If your device does not meet Windows 11 requirements, several alternatives exist short of throwing it away:
Subscribe to Windows 10 Extended Security Updates:
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is the most direct option, offering security patches through October 2027. Eligible users can access the program for free, while others pay $30 for the service.
Migrate to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC:
Users can transition to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which extends support through January 2032.
Try Linux:
Linux has become an increasingly attractive option for owners of older devices, evolving beyond a niche system into a platform adopted by a growing user base. As an open-source platform, Linux offers numerous distributions—some featuring user interfaces and experiences similar to Windows—making it ideal for extending hardware lifespan.
Install ChromeOS Flex:
Google is promoting ChromeOS Flex, a lightweight operating system designed to run on older PCs that do not support Windows 11. Before installing, users should verify that their device is listed on Google's certified models list to avoid compatibility issues.
Continue Using Windows 10:
Users can simply keep using Windows 10, though this is the least secure long-term option. While the machine will function, the lack of security patches will make it more vulnerable over time, and software developers will gradually phase out support for Windows 10.
A Technical Decision Becoming an Environmental Issue
The end of Windows 10 support does not mean hundreds of millions of computers will instantly become e-waste. However, the gap between actual hardware longevity and modern operating system requirements is raising legitimate concerns about escalating electronic waste.
For users with capable, working hardware, switching to an alternative operating system or leveraging extended support programs provides a practical way to prolong PC usability for years, rather than replacing a machine simply because it fails to satisfy Windows 11 upgrade criteria.
(Al Arabiya)
