Microsoft advises throwing away your computer if it can’t be upgraded to Windows 11

Windows 10 will remain a year away from losing support Final, and Microsoft is doing everything it can to convince its customers to upgrade to Windows 11. The tech giant has launched an aggressive campaign with advertisements and reminders within the operating system. While some users will end up doing this, those who don’t meet the minimum requirements have an alternative: replace your computer with a new one.

Microsoft has updated its support website to answer a question many users are asking: What does it mean that my version of Windows will no longer be supported? The technology company sets out the dangers that Windows 10 users will face starting October 25, 2025. End of support means that the operating system will no longer receive security updatesupdates or hardware drivers.

“If you have devices running an unsupported version of Windows, we recommend that you update them to a more current, in-production, supported version of Windows,” Microsoft says. “If your devices do not meet the technical requirements to run the newer version of Windows, we recommend replacing your device with a device that supports Windows 11.”

The idea of ​​upgrading your computer to Windows 11 requirements is not new. Microsoft has been pushing this idea since the operating system launched in 2021 and has made no effort to lower the requirements. Those without compatible hardware will have no choice but to buy a new computer, switch to Linux, or look for alternatives.

Microsoft will turn about 240 million computers into electronic waste

The end of support for Windows 10 has caused environmentalists to raise their voices and ask Microsoft to consider extending the date. A group of NGOs that make up the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) warned that the event will render more devices obsolete than any other action ever taken.

According to Canalys research, limitations of Windows 11 They will send about 240 million computers to the trash heap. This figure is equivalent to 480,000 tons of waste, which is equivalent to the weight of about 320,000 cars. “Microsoft has set ambitious environmental goals, but the consequences of this decision threaten to derail its progress,” said PIRG director Lucas Gutterman.

Gutterman called on Microsoft to extend support for Windows 10, but this decision is unlikely to be approved. According to Canalys, 57% of Microsoft customers will be affected in the coming months, and one in three computers will be replaced.

Although the outlook for companies seems bleak, the truth is that Consumers have more options to solve a problem. There are ways to bypass the block and install Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the minimum requirements. The only drawback is that it must be a clean installation, from scratch.

Another alternative is to switch to Linux. You can choose a convenient Windows distribution, such as Mint, and forget about restrictions. There is also the option to stay on Windows 10 and pay for another 5 years of support, or live to the limit and never upgrade. Just remember that the first critical vulnerability will appear in less than a month, and their number will gradually increase, as was the case with Windows 7.