Millions of computers are facing a support expiration problem after Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This leaves hundreds of millions of devices that do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 in a more complex future, even though many of them still work normally.

According to estimates by the American organization PIRG, around 400 million computers may not be eligible for the official upgrade to Windows 11. This raises significant environmental concerns about the fate of these devices and the potential for a large portion of them to become electronic waste instead of continuing to be used for another few years.

Why can't these devices switch to Windows 11?

When Microsoft launched Windows 11 in 2021, it imposed more stringent technical requirements compared to Windows 10. One of the most notable requirements is TPM 2.0 and support for UEFI Secure Boot, along with the use of a supported processor that is relatively new.

Microsoft says these conditions aim to enhance device security and improve performance and reliability. However, the practical result was the exclusion of large numbers of computers that can run Windows 10 normally but do not meet the requirements for the new system.

According to PIRG estimates, disposing of these devices could generate approximately 1.6 billion pounds of electronic waste, adding a new pressure to the growing problem of technical waste around the world.

Does the end of support mean a computer is useless?

The end of support does not necessarily mean that a computer becomes useless. A device that cannot run Windows 11 will not stop working just because Windows 10 support has ended, and users can continue to use it, but the main problem lies in security.

With the cessation of regular security updates, the system becomes more vulnerable to vulnerabilities and threats over time. In the future, some software and applications may gradually stop supporting Windows 10, making the use of older devices more difficult, according to a report on the "slashgear" website.

However, not all unsupported devices will become waste. Some users may choose to continue running Windows 10, while others can install a different operating system or resort to unofficial solutions for running Windows 11.

What are the options for Windows 10 users?

There are still several options available to owners of devices that are not compatible with Windows 11. One is to take advantage of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) provided by Microsoft for a limited time, which allows access to security updates until October 2027 under the program's terms.

Users can also consider alternative operating systems such as Linux, which has many distributions that can run on relatively old hardware. Another option is Google’s ChromeOS Flex, designed to work on a range of computers that don’t need very modern specifications.

There is also the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC version, which has extended support but isn’t exactly similar to regular Windows 10 versions. Its suitability depends on the type of use and available licensing.

A problem beyond Microsoft

Technology experts say that the issue is not just about an old operating system losing support, but also a broader question about the lifespan of electronic devices. As software requirements become more stringent, users may find themselves forced to replace hardware that is still physically functional.

Herein lies the problem: A computer might be working perfectly, but when its operating system loses support, it becomes less secure, which could prompt some users to replace it with a new device and dispose of the old one.

For this reason, environmental activists warn that the rapid update cycle for devices and software can increase the volume of electronic waste, especially when the issue is system compatibility rather than physical damage to the computer itself.

On the other hand, proper reuse, upgrading, or recycling of devices can extend their lifespan and reduce the amount of resulting electronic waste.