e-waste Archives

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 11, Office 2021 in 2026: Upgrade Now

Microsoft will conclude support for several key products on October 14, 2026, including Windows 11 version 24H2 and Office 2021. This end-of-support wave also affects various Azure services, Exchange Server versions, and certain .NET frameworks. Organizations must evaluate migration costs and risks associated with operating unsupported products, as the lack of updates could lead to security vulnerabilities. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available for select products but at a premium cost. Migration challenges include potential hardware incompatibilities and the need for custom solutions for legacy applications. Proactive planning, inventory assessments, and prioritizing critical systems for migration are recommended strategies. The transition aligns with Microsoft's vision of promoting cloud-based and AI-enhanced technologies. Economic implications include increased IT spending, particularly affecting small and medium enterprises.

Winsage

December 6, 2025

Vast Number of Windows Users Refusing to Upgrade After Microsoft’s Embrace of AI Slop

Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 10, which still runs on approximately 1 billion PCs, with about 500 million eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. Many users are resistant to upgrading due to dissatisfaction with the new interface, compatibility issues, intrusive advertisements, and aggressive AI integration. The potential for cybersecurity vulnerabilities increases as Windows 10 is no longer supported, and an estimated 1.6 billion pounds of electronic waste may result from this discontinuation. Microsoft is pursuing an "AI PC" vision, aiming to integrate AI features into the operating system, while acknowledging user feedback and concerns about usability.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

I accepted all of Microsoft’s suggested Windows 11 setup settings with a fresh ISO, forced online accounts and extra telemetry included — can any of it be bypassed?

The latest version of Windows 11, 25H2, has been released with minimal changes from 24H2. Windows 11 is gaining market share as Windows 10 approaches its "End of Life" phase, but user satisfaction remains a concern. Many users express frustration over the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement, which raises e-waste concerns for incompatible PCs. Setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account has become challenging, as Microsoft has removed popular workarounds, and a mandatory Internet connection is required during setup. Users also express apprehension about Microsoft Copilot and its data collection practices, which include gathering "Optional diagnostic data" and location services information. Although users can disable tracking features after setup, initial selections are not permanent. Windows Recall, a feature that tracks user activity through visual snapshots, is now available for compatible Copilot+ PCs but is not enabled by default. Users can disable Windows Recall in the Settings app.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Experts issue warning on harmful side effect of Windows shutdown

Microsoft has ceased support for its Windows 10 operating system as of October, leading to an estimated 14.4 million computers in the UK becoming obsolete. The potential recoverable materials from these devices include gold valued at £1.6 billion, copper worth almost £100 million, and silver amounting to £33 million, totaling nearly £1.8 billion. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates for Windows 10, but users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for enhanced security. Alternatives for obsolete machines include installing a new operating system like Linux or responsibly recycling old devices to recover valuable metals.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Ewaste and Tackling The Issue

The recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) occurs in informal and unsafe conditions, releasing up to 1,000 harmful chemical substances, including neurotoxicants like lead. The average lifespan of electronic devices is 4.5 years, despite many being designed for over 25 years, contributing to an estimated 347 million tonnes of e-waste globally, projected to reach 746 million tonnes by 2030. The electronics industry faces challenges in achieving circularity due to costly and complex reclamation processes. In2tec offers solutions through its ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ technologies, which enable manufacturers to design modular products and reclaim components from e-waste efficiently. ReUSE® focuses on materials and processes for printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), while ReCYCLE™ uses an ultra-low energy process to recover materials from PCBAs, enhancing product versatility and reducing energy consumption in manufacturing.

Winsage

October 28, 2025

End of Windows 10 support could mean huge e-waste increase

Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10, raising concerns about increased electronic waste and cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Approximately 40% of Windows users may lack alternatives, as many devices do not meet the requirements for Windows 11. Research indicates that up to 240 million outdated devices could end up in landfills due to this policy change. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for one more year, but users delaying upgrades may face vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Upgrading to new devices can be costly, with prices starting around 0, while Linux Mint is suggested as a free alternative that can extend the life of current devices. Linux Mint requires only 2GB of RAM, 20GB of disk space, and a minimum resolution of 1024×768. Advocates are promoting the right to repair and legislation to combat planned obsolescence to make technology more sustainable.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Microsoft Removing Support for Windows 10 Could Increase E-Waste, Cybersecurity Threats

Microsoft announced it will discontinue support for Windows 10, affecting approximately 40 percent of its user base. Many devices do not meet the technical specifications required to upgrade to Windows 11, leading users to consider alternatives to avoid discarding their devices or risking exposure to outdated software. Critics, including environmental and cybersecurity advocates, warn that this decision could result in up to 240 million old devices ending up in landfills, exacerbating electronic waste issues and increasing cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for the next year, but users who do not transition to Windows 11 may become vulnerable to cyber threats, including phishing attacks. The financial burden of new devices can be significant, prompting suggestions to install Linux Mint, a free operating system that can extend the life of older hardware. Advocates also emphasize the importance of supporting the right to repair and legislation against planned obsolescence to promote sustainability in technology.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Microsoft Suddenly Offers Windows 10 Update In Store—Buy Now

Microsoft has introduced a paid option for Windows 10 users to receive security updates without needing to log into a Microsoft Account repeatedly. This option is available through a product page titled "Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU)," which allows local account users to access updates for a one-time payment of .99, excluding taxes. The ESU is a compact solution at 0.1 MB in size and requires a one-time sign-up for a Microsoft account, after which users can log out and continue receiving updates. As of October 14, Microsoft has officially retired Windows 10, affecting approximately 500 million users. Users have several choices, including enrolling in the free ESU with an account, upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing a new PC, or repurposing their existing machines as Chromebooks. A critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-59230, affects multiple versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and 11, prompting the importance of maintaining support for Windows systems.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

I Will Go Down Swinging Against Windows 11

On October 14, Microsoft officially ceased security support for Windows 10. Over 42 percent of Windows users are still on Windows 10, raising concerns about e-waste and operational challenges for institutions like schools. Users can extend Windows' security support for another year for free or for a fee. The transition to Windows 11 has been met with frustration due to technical challenges and the integration of AI, which some users find unappealing. There are ethical considerations regarding Microsoft's actions, particularly in light of the ongoing boycott by BDS.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

The End of Windows 10 Support Is an E-Waste Disaster in the Making

Free support for Windows 10 ended at midnight on Wednesday, affecting around 400 million computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. This has raised environmental concerns about increased electronic waste, as many unsupported devices may end up in landfills. Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10, prompting concerns for businesses and institutions that rely on these systems. Over 42 percent of Windows users still use Windows 10, and the decision to discontinue support has been criticized as perplexing. Microsoft continues to offer security updates for a fee, raising questions about corporate responsibility. Consumer rights group PIRG has initiated a campaign urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision, citing a precedent where Google extended support for Chromebooks after advocacy efforts.