E-Waste Day

Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 on International E-Waste Day is incredibly ironic. International E-Waste Day takes place every year on the 14th October. It is a day that aims to raise awareness about the dangers of electronic waste and promotes the circular economy.

This year, however, it has been overshadowed by Microsoft’s decision to make hundreds of millions of perfectly functional devices obsolete. In total, around 400 million devices will be affected, and an estimated 240 million of these will end up in landfill, directly contradicting the message of International E-Waste Day itself.

Windows 10 is Ending - What Does This mean?

As you are likely aware, Microsoft announced a while ago now that they would stop providing security updates and technical support for Windows 10. What you may not be aware of is why this is so significant and the effect that it could have on businesses.

Your device will still be technically operational after this date, and you do have the option to continue using Windows 10 while paying for continued support and updates.

Security

Security is likely the most significant aspect of the change. Security is incredibly important to businesses and breaches to their systems can have severe, crippling consequences.

As such, security updates are a necessity to keep your device or infrastructure safe, making Windows 10 unviable for many. There's an estimated 180 million Windows 10 systems still active on business networks. Those that remain on Windows 10 must seek support either directly from Microsoft or through third party support contracts in order to stay protected.

Businesses that fail to either change software or pay for further Windows 10 support run the risk of becoming targets for malware as new vulnerabilities are exposed in the stagnant software. It is imperative that businesses remain as secure as possible if they are to fight the ever-present threat of hackers.

Environmental Impact

Almost 43% of the devices running Windows 10 won’t be able to be upgraded to Windows 11, and even if only a small percentage of these devices go into landfill it will have lasting significant effects. Planned obsolescence is nothing new, but the scale of which this change will effect the business world is unprecedented. This is estimated to generate 480 million kg of e-waste – equivalent to 1% of the entire global e-waste generated in a year, and that’s a conservative estimate!

The fact that one single business is capable of causing such a large ripple effect across the planet should be a cause for concern. Hardware becoming obsolete, thanks to software decisions, is not a new concept in the tech industry. The sticking point of this decision comes with how many businesses still rely on Windows 10.

The Logistical Impact

The business world still relies on Windows 10, with the software being deeply intertwined within complex infrastructures of huge organisations. Back in October 2024, it was estimated that over two-thirds of enterprises were still using Windows 10. Some companies may just be waiting for the last possible moment before they move on from their preferred system. Others may wish to stay on Windows 10 with third party support that provides vital security updates. The concern is around those who may not even be aware of the significance of the decision Microsoft has made and how it may affect them.

The issue around hardware replacement is not solely an e-waste issue either. Replacing the entirety of your device infrastructure to be compatible with Windows 11 can be an expensive, complicated and daunting process.

What Do I Do?

If you have not made the switch to an alternative software, it’s time to get a plan in place as soon as possible. Microsoft is offering paid security updates for Windows 10 on a per-machine basis, and there are also third party options available to enable you to continue using the software you are comfortable with. With that being said, it is worth considering a transition over to a new software that can provide the necessary security and support such as Windows 11.

Those that find themselves with suddenly redundant IT hardware should look to either donate to a charity that can still find a use for the devices, or to ensure that the equipment is ethically recycled. Just because the device is now obsolete, it doesn’t mean that the individual parts within can’t be repurposed or reused for repairs. Our team offer end-to-end IT solutions, including both bespoke IT infrastructure planning and IT buyback services to help you securely and sustainably remove your redundant equipment.

The Future of Software Induced Hardware Obsolescence

Windows 10 losing support is a stark reminder of the power that software updates have over hardware viability. Windows 10 is still a massively popular operating system and is heavily used in both personal and professional settings.

As we also mark International E-Waste Day on the 14th October, this coincidence should not just be looked at as ironic, it should act as a signal for change. If ever there was an argument for more sustainable software practices, longer support times and more thoughtful regulations, this is it. Technological progress should not come at the expense of our planet.