Petition demands Microsoft extend support for Windows 10 longer

The non-profit organization called on Microsoft extend support time for Windows 10. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has urged the technology company not to discontinue this version of the operating system because The consequences for the environment will be catastrophic..

Lucas Gutterman, campaign manager, said that More than 400 million computers running Windows 10 cannot be updated on Windows 11. This means that 43% of PCs will be left behind after support ends on October 14, 2025.

“Microsoft’s abandonment of Windows 10 could render more PCs obsolete than any other action ever taken,” said Lucas Gatterman. “The company has set ambitious environmental goals, but the consequences of this decision threaten to derail its progress.” According to the expert, the production of these devices has already produced 46 million tons of CO₂.

The person responsible for the campaign mentions other attempts by Microsoft to expand support for previous versions of Windows, such as XP. “Windows XP users have been receiving security updates for 13 years. Even when support ended, it still worked on 30% of computers worldwide.”

One of the advantages of Windows 10 is its backward compatibility, which, combined with hardware requirements, has allowed many computers to migrate to the new version without any problems.

“Forced migration to Windows 11 is bad for the planet”

One of PIRG’s priorities is promote the right to repair. The groups that make up the network are working with lawmakers and companies to allow users to repair their equipment without warranty. This will help reduce the amount of electronic waste generated each year.

Contacting Microsoft is related to this problem and asks to extend the support period for Windows 10.

“Dear Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft!

Don’t throw away millions of computers. The decision to end support for Windows 10 could lead to the largest increase in PC scrappage to date and prevent Microsoft from achieving its sustainability goals. The strict hardware requirements of a new version of the operating system could leave 40% of PCs in use unattended.

Microsoft’s decision to stop supporting millions of functional computers in our hospitals, businesses and homes is a tough deal for customers who expect their expensive devices to last.

“All software reaches a point where it is no longer compatible, but when the implications for our environment are so great, we shouldn’t have to accept it.”

Lucas Gutterman went to Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington office to collect 20,000 signatures in support of the petition, which were later submitted electronically.

Windows 10 remains the most popular

Despite the fact that we have been on the market for two years, Windows 11 failed to succeed as Microsoft expected. According to Statcounter, the latest version of the operating system is installed on 20.28% of computers. Against, Windows 10 holds 71.6% market sharemaintaining a stable trend throughout 2023.

Latest version Support for Windows 10 (22H2) will end on October 14, 2025.. This includes Home, Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. It’s hard to predict whether Microsoft will extend the date or lower the hardware requirements for Windows 12.