A few years ago Microsoft announced that it would no longer support Windows 10 in October 2025. This decision will lead to a massive update cycle for manufacturers. But it could also send about 240 million computers straight into the trash, according to Canalys Research.
Despite the growing market ability to support circularity, PCs that are not compatible with Windows 11 will not be able to be repaired or resold.
Many devices may continue to work for years after Windows 10 support ends, but Canalys warns there will be little demand for devices without security updates.
Microsoft’s decision affects one in five teams. Among other things, this poses a major challenge regarding the management and disposal of e-waste. About 240 million of these computers would weigh about 480,000 tons. In perspective, this would be equivalent to the weight of about 320,000 cars.
Canalys makes another incredible comparison: if all these stacked laptops were stacked on top of each other, they would form a mountain over 4,000 kilometers high. That is, 600 kilometers above the Moon.
The Windows 10 release deadline is October 14, 2025. Microsoft has already announced a plan to provide security updates until October 2028 at an undisclosed annual price. But if the cost structure for this expanded support is similar to what we’ve seen before, switching PCs will end up being more cost-effective.
Environmentalists fight over end of support for Windows 10
Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), a coalition of several NGOs, warn that the end of Windows 10 will render more computers obsolete than any other action ever taken. Last October, the organization publicly called on Microsoft to extend support time.
“The company has set ambitious environmental goals, but the consequences of this decision threaten to derail its progress,” said PIRG chief executive Lucas Gutterman. Canalys claims that even companies with the most limited budgets will be put off by the lack of free, ongoing security updates.
Multiple key barriers prevent Windows 10 compatible PCs from running Windows 11. These include requiring a 64-bit processor, listed by Microsoft as a “supported CPU”, at least 4GB of RAM, and at least 64GB of internal memory. The most important requirement is TPM version 2.0 for additional security, which replaces TPM version 1.2 supported by some Windows 10 devices.
According to Canalys, 57% of Microsoft partners expect the end of support for Windows 10 to impact customers’ upgrade plans in 2024. It is expected that in the next two years, one in three devices will be replaced.
It’s been a tough year for the PC market, but 2024 looks bright. The projection shows that next year the market will grow again by 8%, as customers look to upgrade pandemic-era PCs. Additionally, the emergence of new devices with AI capabilities could provide a key boost.
Source: Hiper Textual

I am Garth Carter and I work at Gadget Onus. I have specialized in writing for the Hot News section, focusing on topics that are trending and highly relevant to readers. My passion is to present news stories accurately, in an engaging manner that captures the attention of my audience.