The environmental implications of Windows 10

Dread it, run from it, Microsoft will always find a way. As you may have already heard, Microsoft's free support for Windows 10 is coming to an end on 14th October 2025. This will have a wide array of implications for everyone currently on the most popular OS on the market. There are claims that Microsoft is forcing users into new hardware that they do not feel they need. However, the most far reaching and severe results of this decision are likely to be environmental.  

To understand the sheer scale of Windows 10 and the effect this may have, let’s look at some statistics. 

Environmental Effects 

According to Microsoft themselves, they have hit their goal of 1 billion devices running Windows 10. In fact, they reported over 1.3 billion active devices using Windows 10 back in 2021. Windows 10 has a market share of 69% according to Statista and around 35% of those users do not have hardware capable of running Windows 11. Analysts believe that up to 240 million devices could end up in landfill as they become obsolete. This equates to a fifth of all Windows 10 devices, meaning that we could potentially see a drastic amount of e-waste created and heading to landfill from this singular event. 

With the current issues surrounding e-waste production, this statistic is not encouraging at all. E-waste is already the fastest growing domestic waste stream in the world. The most popular OS ending its free updates is only going to add to the problem. To many analysts, ending the lifecycle of so many devices that are in perfect working order because of software support is a nonsensical move at best, and risks producing the single biggest jump in e-waste we have ever seen. 

Microsoft will argue that they are not actually ending support for Windows 10, rather they are moving to a paid model. However, when looking at handling previous versions of Windows, the price was increased yearly. This stops Windows 10 being a cost-effective option and makes the move to Windows 11 seem like the only path to take. 

Now, all of this is a major concern and a daunting prospect, but your device is not doomed for landfill. You are in control of what happens when it comes to your own hardware, so make sure you take the correct steps. 

What Can I Do?

If you find yourself unable to update your software, it may feel like you only have one option – purchase a new device and get rid of your old one. Firstly, it is important to understand that there are other paths you can take, such as moving to a different OS, but if you are going to upgrade, then knowing your options for your redundant technology is vital. 

Once you have backed up files, transferred software and factory reset your devices, you will need to dispose of them. If you or your company require more secure data destruction, then you will need to ensure that your hardware is data sanitised. At Techbuyer, our ITAD service offers the highest level of data security and sanitisation in a cost-effective and environmentally conscious manner with our Zero to Landfill policy. Find out more about our ITAD services here.  

If you do not require the high security approach of ITAD, then we have alternative options to help you recover value where possible and ensure that nothing heads to landfill, such as our Resource Recovery service. This is a service that will take failed equipment and extract individual parts to use in other machinery. This is a fantastic way to extend the lifespan of devices and shows that just because a machine is unusable, it does not mean that its parts are without purpose. 

Doing Your Part

You may plan to donate your surplus hardware; but it is extremely likely that charities and similar organisations will refuse to accept devices incapable of running the latest software. However, you look at it, there is a high likelihood that if your hardware is not Windows 11 compatible, it is going to be replaced, and that redundant hardware is going to be disposed of, adding to the mounting global e-waste problem.

We asked James, our Sustainability Coordinator at Techbuyer about the importance of responsible disposal; 

“With diligent management of redundant equipment, it needn’t be a choice between risking the security of your IT estate and contributing to the escalating global problems caused by e-waste. At Techbuyer we have the knowledge and expertise to refurbish, repurpose and recycle without compromising on data sanitation.” 

You can find out more about our lifecycle services, click here.