As Microsoft approaches the critical date of October 14, 2025, when it will officially cease support for Windows 10, a wave of discontent has emerged among users. Many are voicing concerns about the operating system’s successor, Windows 11, which is perceived to impose stringent minimum system requirements and exhibit design flaws that hinder a smooth transition. This dissatisfaction has been echoed by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), which last year launched a petition against Microsoft’s decision, warning that it could lead to “the single biggest jump in junked computers ever.” Furthermore, PIRG argues that this move contradicts Microsoft’s sustainability goals.
In response to the backlash, Microsoft has announced plans to extend security updates for Windows 10 beyond the cutoff date. However, this extension comes with a stipulation: users must sync their PC settings with the cloud via a Microsoft Account to continue receiving these updates. PIRG has criticized this approach, stating that it “doesn’t go far enough” and likely won’t alleviate the plight of the approximately 400 million Windows 10 PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Users are left with limited options: they can either sync their settings to the cloud, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or pay for extended security updates (ESU) to keep their systems operational past the impending deadline.
The Restart Project, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting electronics repair, has also weighed in on the situation. In a recent blog post titled, “Let’s stop Microsoft creating millions of tonnes of e-waste this October,” the group highlighted that nearly half of all Windows computers still run on Windows 10. The timing of the support cutoff, coinciding with International E-Waste Day, raises concerns about the potential for an increase in electronic waste as users are compelled to adopt new software and hardware that may not meet compatibility or cybersecurity standards.
Windows 10 won’t go down without a fight
Despite the looming deadline, communities are rallying to resist Microsoft’s decision. The Restart Project emphasizes the importance of repairing and revitalizing existing computers, advocating for the installation of free and open-source operating systems on devices that are still functional or those discarded by users who have upgraded to Windows 11. Additionally, a movement dubbed ‘End of 10’ encourages users to transition to Linux, highlighting the absence of ads and telemetry tracking as key advantages.
In a proactive response, the Restart Project has co-developed an ‘End of Windows 10’ toolkit aimed at community repair groups. This resource provides practical guidance on adapting repair events and collaborating with others to support Windows 10 users facing the impending cutoff. The toolkit aims to empower communities to extend the lifespan of their devices, countering the notion that Microsoft’s last-minute security updates are anything more than a temporary fix.
The Restart Project has called on policymakers to take action on several fronts:
- Make products last: “We need strong rules that require minimum durability and repairability, with software and security support to match the potential lifespan – not just for computers, but for all energy-related products. No more devices designed to break or become obsolete before their time.”
- Fix the economics: “Right now, it’s cheaper to pollute than to preserve. That’s backwards. We must tax short-lived, disposable products more – and reward products that last. Those creating waste should pay for it, not consumers or the planet.”
- Give waste a second life: “We need clear targets and serious funding to scale up the reuse and repair of WEEE. Recycling alone won’t save us — we need a system that keeps products in use and resources in the loop.”
Meanwhile, Windows 11 continues to gain traction, surpassing Windows 10 in market share, with StatCounter reporting Windows 11 at 50.88% compared to Windows 10’s 46.2%. Microsoft appears to be leveraging the impending end of Windows 10 to promote its flagship Copilot+ PC sales, enticing users with the promise of next-generation AI-powered features. The company has made bold claims, asserting that “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs,” although such statements have been met with skepticism, as they often compare outdated processors with modern hardware.
As the countdown to October 14, 2025, continues, the conversation surrounding Windows 10’s fate and the implications for users and the environment remains as vital as ever.
