The big countdown to the end of Windows 10 is now on with users having less than a year to switch over to Windows 11. With full free support stopping from October 25, those who don’t jump over to Microsoft’s latest operating system will face using PCs that aren’t updated with new features or protected from the latest cyber-attacks.
Some Windows 10 machines can simply move to Windows 11 via a software update but there are a great deal of computers that simply aren’t compatible. In fact, some stats suggest that as many as 400 million devices could end up on the scrap heap with some 40 percent of PCs currently in use becoming obsolete.
It’s a worrying statistic and, to highlight the issue, the Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG) recently delivered more than 20,000 petition signatures to Microsoft, calling on the company to extend the life of computers with Windows 10 operating systems.
The non-profit organisation also says that by not allowing Windows 10 to continue its life, Microsoft threatens to break its sustainability commitment.
“It’s outrageous that Microsoft, while touting its environmental credentials, is planning to effectively trash 400 million working computers,” said Lucas Rockett Gutterman, PIRG’s Designed to Last Campaign Director.
“This isn’t just environmentally harmful. It’s a blatant disregard for consumers who are being forced to replace functional devices.
“With the UN’s recent announcement that electronic waste is growing five times faster than recycling, it’s irresponsible to toss working computers just because their software has expired.”
Microsoft has said it will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for some users but this won’t be free and only lasts for three years.
“While we strongly recommend moving to Windows 11, we understand there are circumstances that could prevent you from replacing Windows 10 devices before the EOS date. Therefore, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates,” Microsoft’s Jason Leznek confirmed last December.
“ESUs allow you to receive critical and/or important security updates for Windows 10 PCs when you need extra time to move to Windows 11.”
The price for this service is $61 per year (£48) although it’s worth noting that Microsoft is currently only confirming this for business enterprises and not home users.
Right now, it seems that Microsoft is not going budge when it comes to the death of Windows 10 and time is now ticking to make a decision.
There are there choices to make.
Firstly you can switch to Windows 11 if you have a compatible PC. If not you could wait and find out how much ESUs are going to cost or buy a new PC. Finally, you can just stick with Windows 10 but that could be dangerous as your device will no longer be protected.