This month marks a significant turning point for Microsoft, as the tech giant prepares to end support for Windows 10 on October 14. This decision is poised to impact hundreds of millions of computers across the United States, raising concerns among consumer and environmental advocates about the potential for increased electronic waste—estimated to exceed one billion pounds. The implications of this move are particularly troubling, as many users will be left with limited options: either pay for extended support or face the prospect of obsolescence.
The Dilemma of Upgrading
With Windows 10 being the second-most popular operating system globally, the decision to cease support has left many users in a precarious position. For those whose devices cannot accommodate the free upgrade to Windows 11, the choices are stark. Microsoft offers an extension of support for per device, a fee that escalates each year for three years. Alternatively, users may opt to discard their aging machines and invest in new ones, a financial burden that is increasingly difficult for many to shoulder.
As Nathan Proctor, senior director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Right to Repair campaign, pointed out, the scale of this transition is alarming. When Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 8 in 2016, only 4 percent of users were still on that version. In contrast, approximately 42 percent of Windows computers worldwide still rely on Windows 10 today.
Advocates from various sectors, including right-to-repair groups and environmental organizations, are urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision. They highlight the disparity in support offered to users in the European Economic Area, where the company has extended free support for an additional year. Proctor has characterized this move as holding security “hostage,” questioning whether secure devices will become a privilege reserved for the affluent.
Economic Pressures and Accessibility
The timing of this transition is particularly challenging, as the U.S. grapples with rising unemployment rates and inflation. The cost of upgrading to a new device can be prohibitive, with entry-level Windows 11 laptops starting around 0 and more advanced models exceeding ,000. While refurbished options are available, they too can come with a hefty price tag.
Access to reliable technology is essential for many workers, especially in a landscape where remote work has become the norm. Michael Deeb, director of Civic Tech DC, emphasizes that equitable access to technology is crucial for job performance and market participation. The need for dependable computers is underscored by the fact that many individuals lack employer-provided devices.
In 2022, researchers estimated that nearly 43 percent of active PCs employing Windows 10 are not equipped to upgrade to the latest operating system.
As the deadline approaches, millions of users running Windows 10 face the reality of diminished security. In the U.S., 36.38 percent of all PC users are still on this version, and many older devices simply do not meet the stringent requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft mandates that compatible PCs must have a 64-bit processor, 64 GB of storage, and a high-definition display, leaving many older machines unable to upgrade.
The Risks of Unsupported Software
For those who choose to continue using Windows 10 without support, the risks are significant. Cybersecurity experts warn that without ongoing updates and patches, these devices become more susceptible to hacking and data breaches. Kevin Cleary, a clinical associate professor at the University at Buffalo, notes that hackers often operate quietly, taking advantage of unsupported software to exploit personal information over time.
The financial implications for consumers are stark, with the FBI estimating that internet crimes will cost U.S. consumers over billion in 2024—a 33 percent increase from the previous year. Vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, are disproportionately affected, having lost billions to phishing and extortion scams.
Consumer advocates argue that the lack of transparency regarding long-term support for technical products should be a critical consideration for buyers. Florian Schaub, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, highlights the need for manufacturers to disclose support timelines, a sentiment echoed by a survey from Consumer Reports, which found that 72 percent of Americans believe such information should be mandatory.
As advocates work to generate public pressure for greater accountability, Proctor expresses disappointment in Microsoft’s current trajectory, noting that the company’s commitment to sustainability appears compromised by its decision to force users into a cycle of obsolescence. “This is such a departure from what we expect from Microsoft,” he remarked, referencing the company’s previous pledges to become carbon-negative and a zero-waste operation by 2030.
Despite the growing concerns, a spokesperson for Microsoft has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving many to ponder the broader implications of this pivotal moment in technology and consumer rights.
