Activists protest against the death of Windows 10: they demand free updates until 2030

Yesterday Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10. Although the “death” of the operating system is marked with several asterisks, since additional security updates will be offered for a limited time, this measure has been heavily criticized. Moreover, more than 30% of active computers worldwide still use it.

That’s why a group of activists held a protest in front of Microsoft’s offices in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday, demanding that free Windows 10 updates be extended until at least the start of the next decade.

Coalition Right to Repair Europe He criticized the Redmond residents’ decision as another example of forced obsolescence. The protest was marked by the deployment of several computers that can run Windows 10 without any problems, but are potentially outdated because they cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.

Microsoft is required to offer No additional costs and automatic upgrade to Windows 10 until at least 2030.. Something that, at least so far, is unlikely to be feasible. Especially considering the American corporation’s desire to promote the adoption of Win11, which just a few months ago managed to surpass its predecessor as the most used OS in the world.

Activists demand free Windows 10 updates until 2030

According to the initiators of the protest against Microsoft, the problem is not only the forced obsolescence of software, but also in the absence of laws that prevent this and promote the right to repair..

“Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 could turn millions of working computers into electronic waste, not because they’re broken, but because the software says so,” said Christina Ganapini of Right to Repair Europe.

As reported at the end of 2023, the end of support for Windows 10 will turn about 240 million PCs into trash. Activists now note that the measure could create more than 700 million tons of new e-waste. Undoubtedly, an alarming amount.

For now, those who want to continue receiving Windows 10 Extended Security Updates must enroll in the ESU program. End users can choose as little as one additional year of protection in exchange for 30 dollars. This price applies to ten computers connected to one Microsoft account.

Those who don’t want to pay can also redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or activate Windows Backup on their computer. In the European Economic Area, meanwhile, these updates will be offered for free or without any gimmicks under the Digital Markets Act. However, activists argue that this is a temporary measure that only delays the already dictated goal.

Complaints about the end of support for Windows 10 are not limited to Europe. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Microsoft in the US in an attempt to stop it from disabling OS updates. However, so far this has not stopped Redmond residents from implementing their plan.