Windows 10 support cut leads to 240 million PCS at risk of dumping in waste sites.
Recently, Microsoft decided to discontinue the support of the Windows 10 operating system which will lead 240 million computers to landfills. The electronic wastes generated from these PCs have 480 million kilograms weight which is almost equivalent to the 320,000 cars.
Interestingly, Microsoft can still operate for many years even after their operating system support ends.
Microsoft explained his plan that they will offer security updates for Windows 10 until October 2028. But still, it is not revealed how much costs users need to pay to receive these security updates.
Canalys warns that demand for these without security updates devices might be low.
Canalys further says that if the pricing for the external window-10 support remains consistent according to the past trends, then buying the new PC could be more cost-effective which will lead the older PCs to landfills.
Previously, the cost of purchasing support for Windows 10 operating systems or older operating systems tended to be higher. Now, users have the choice between extended support for the older PC or investing in a new PC. They could find that getting a new PC is more cost-effective.
Because the new computer comes with the latest operating system and hardware that has a comparable lower cost as compared to getting the continuous support for an older operating system that also has undislcosed prices. As a result, the older PC will be dumped into e-waste.
Microsoft plans to discontinue the Windows 10 support by October 2025. They are expected to introduce advanced artificial intelligence technology into their incoming PC that could boost the demand for the PC in the market where presently the need for the personal computer is getting slow and stagnant.
At this moment, Microsoft has not responded to the comment on what will be the environmental impact when they dispose of incompatible operating system devices.
However, it is expected that hard drives used in personal computers and data storage servers can be recycled, and obtained materials could be useful in electric motor vehicles and for renewable power generation.
According to Peter Afiuny, the Chief Commercial Officer at Noveon Magnetics, turning an older computer into a magnet can be helpful for eco-friendly technology such as electric cars and wind turbines. And it is a positive potential step toward meeting the global electricity demand.