Microsoft‘s plan to end support for its Windows 10 operating system could potentially lead to about 240 million personal computers (PCs) being discarded and sent to landfills. According to Canalys Research, the electronic waste generated from these computers would weigh approximately 480 million kilograms, equivalent to 320,000 cars.
Support for Windows 10 will be maintained by Microsoft until October 2028 through security updates provided for an unspecified annual fee. However, if the pricing structure for extended Windows 10 support reflects past trends, transitioning to new PCs could be more cost-effective, potentially increasing the number of old PCs discarded.
Microsoft plans to completely end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, and the new operating system, Windows 11, is expected to revitalize the stagnant PC market by offering advanced artificial intelligence technology. However, Microsoft has not commented on the environmental impact of devices incompatible with Windows 11.
The hard drives of personal computers and data storage servers can be recycled to collect materials used in electric vehicle motors and renewable energy production.
