As Microsoft prepares to cease free security updates for Windows 10 this October, the implications for users are becoming increasingly evident. For those eligible to upgrade to Windows 11, the path is straightforward: transition to the new operating system, regardless of personal preferences. However, a staggering number of PCs—estimated at around 240 million—fail to meet the stringent hardware requirements set forth by Microsoft for Windows 11.
In the midst of this technological shift, both consumers and businesses are being nudged towards replacing their older systems. Yet, this push for new hardware overlooks a significant segment of the population: charities dedicated to refurbishing older computers and providing them to individuals who cannot afford new devices. The supported Intel CPU list for Windows 11 only accommodates processors from the 8th generation (Coffee Lake) and newer, while AMD’s list includes only Ryzen 2000 series and above. This effectively sidelines many computers from 2017 and 2018, regardless of their specifications, such as having 16GB of RAM and a 500GB SSD.
These ineligible machines will likely face a variety of fates. Some will continue to operate on outdated versions of Windows, while others may be repurposed with alternative operating systems. A portion will be sent to ewaste recycling, where valuable components can be salvaged, but a concerning number may end up in landfills. Current estimates suggest that only 14 to 40 percent of ewaste in the U.S. is recycled.
Charitable Efforts Amidst Technological Transition
Recently, I joined a local computer refurbishment charity on Long Island with my son. The organization continues to install Windows 10 on computers that do not qualify for Windows 11, prioritizing a familiar user experience for clients, many of whom are seniors. These users may struggle to adapt to a new operating system that does not support the software they are accustomed to. Additionally, students accustomed to Windows in school would benefit from a similar environment at home. Transitioning to a different OS could lead to increased support calls from users grappling with unfamiliar interfaces.
However, this approach raises concerns about security. With the impending end of updates for Windows 10, clients may be left vulnerable. Chester Wisniewski, Director and Global Field CISO for Sophos, emphasizes the risks: “Deploying Windows 10 at this time is a bad idea. The writing is on the wall. Microsoft has made the internal decision to obsolete this equipment.” This sentiment is echoed by the statistics: Windows 10 still accounts for 58.7 percent of all Windows installations, compared to just 38.1 percent for Windows 11. It is unlikely that all users will upgrade or replace their systems by the deadline.
Moreover, the prospect of paying annually for Microsoft’s Extended Security Update program to maintain Windows 10 security is not feasible for many, particularly charities and their clients. When asked for comment, Microsoft declined to provide a statement regarding the situation.
The question then arises: how detrimental is it to continue using an unsupported Windows 10? Experts unanimously agree that the risks are significant. Wisniewski points out that recent Patch Tuesdays have revealed numerous vulnerabilities, some of which have already been exploited by cybercriminals. With a shared codebase between Windows 10 and 11, these vulnerabilities pose a threat to users of the older operating system.
In response to the impending cutoff, Casey Sorensen, CEO of PCs for People, a leading non-profit refurbisher in the U.S., has made the decision to discontinue distributing Windows 10. Instead, the organization will provide Linux laptops for systems with 6th or 7th generation processors, reserving Windows laptops for those with 8th generation or newer hardware. Any PCs older than fifth generation will be directed to ewaste recyclers.
PCs for People operates refurbishing centers across 11 states and distributes affordable computers nationwide. They refurbish around 140,000 PCs annually, primarily sourced from corporate donations. The organization ensures that drives are wiped, fresh operating systems are installed, and batteries are replaced when necessary. However, they also face the challenge of managing 7 million pounds of ewaste from outdated or irreparable equipment.
With the rise of Linux Mint, a user-friendly operating system based on Ubuntu, Sorensen notes that perceptions have shifted. “Ten years ago, if we distributed Linux, they would be like, what is it?” he reflects. Today, many users view their computers as gateways to the Internet, making a user-friendly version of Linux a viable option.
In my own experience testing Linux Mint 22.1, I found the interface to be reminiscent of Windows, featuring a Start menu in the lower left corner. However, the absence of familiar applications like Microsoft Office and Photoshop Elements could pose challenges for users accustomed to specific software. While the transition to Linux may be manageable for some, it could lead to confusion for those less tech-savvy.
As charities navigate the dilemma of providing outdated Windows 10 systems, introducing Linux, or discarding older computers altogether, a significant number of users will likely continue to rely on Windows 10 post-October. This scenario raises pressing questions about the future of technology access and the growing issue of ewaste.
