As the clock ticks down to Windows 10’s official end-of-life, millions of users face a stark crossroads—a crossroads not just defined by Microsoft’s latest operating system, but by a much larger and mostly under-discussed issue: the staggering threat of e-waste. While Microsoft’s pitch for its next-gen Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11 upgrade is the public face of the transition, a rising outcry from open-source communities and environmental advocates is putting a far more profound question on the table: Is this tech transition truly about progress, or is it about profits at the planet’s expense?
For the uninitiated, Microsoft has set a clear expiration date for Windows 10: October 14, 2025. After this, mainstream support ends, and millions of older devices will no longer receive updates, security patches, or official backing. On paper, frequent OS upgrades are the heartbeat of a healthy digital ecosystem. They close vulnerabilities, introduce new features, and help users stay productive and secure. But with Windows 11’s rollout, Microsoft raised the bar for hardware compatibility: a host of perfectly functional PCs, including many less than five years old, are not welcome to move to the new OS due to stringent requirements like TPM 2.0 and certain CPU generations.
This technical gatekeeping hasn’t gone unnoticed. KDE, one of the most prominent groups behind Linux’s popular Plasma desktop environment, has been forthright: your “Windows 10 PC is toast”—at least if you follow Microsoft’s rules. The KDE community, and many others, see this as a form of what some have called “tech extortion”—a push to force consumers and businesses into hardware upgrades that benefit manufacturers and, yes, swell the bottom lines of major players like Microsoft, Intel, and their OEM partners.
But the story doesn’t end with frustrated consumers; it stretches into one of the most pressing global issues of our time.
But what does this have to do with Windows 10? Quite a bit, it turns out.
Every time a functioning PC is rendered obsolete by a software upgrade policy rather than a hardware failure, it’s pushed into the stream of discarded electronics. As KDE’s commentary pointedly states: “You will be forced to spend your hard-earned cash and will be unwillingly polluting the earth and water as your old machine rots in a landfill. The air will also be polluted with the emissions that come from manufacturing and shipping a new device you don't really need.”
This isn’t hyperbole. Manufacturing a new laptop, for example, can create as much as 300 kg (roughly 660 lbs) of CO₂ emissions, while mining and refining rare earth metals for components has devastating consequences for soil, air, and water in countries where environmental regulations are lax.
In this case, while Microsoft continues to trumpet its green credentials, its OS policies (intentionally or not) steer massive numbers of perfectly good machines toward the trash heap. The disconnect between green marketing and the practical impact of enforced obsolescence is marked, as highlighted by KDE and echoed by Techradar community voices: “Nothing about Microsoft’s decision to move us to Windows 11 fits into being green, except the color of money.”
Here, the critique isn’t only about environmental costs, but about honesty in tech leadership. Is it truly sustainable for a trillion-dollar company to encourage users to discard rather than maximize the life of their existing devices?
Here’s a snapshot of the likely cascade:
The fate of these hundreds of millions of machines isn't set in stone. Many can easily offer another decade of service with lightweight OS alternatives—if only the cultural and corporate narrative would shift in that direction.
When asked directly about mitigation, Microsoft representatives typically point to their recycling partnerships, refurbishment initiatives, and carbon-reduction goals. For example, the company boasts zero-waste certifications at some facilities and in 2020 pledged to be carbon negative by 2030.
Still, when upgrade policy and hardware requirements drive users toward replacement rather than refurbishment, the underlying dynamic doesn’t look very green outside of brand messaging.
Although it's true that every OS must eventually retire older hardware to maintain progress, and new features may genuinely require more modern chipsets (like security functions in Windows 11), the abruptness and scale of the jump from Windows 10 to 11—especially given global economic and ecological pressures—raises legitimate questions about balancing security, innovation, and sustainability.
Microsoft is not alone in this. Apple, for instance, routinely drops support for older iPhone and Mac models, and the Android ecosystem is plagued by short device support cycles. Yet, as the dominant force in desktop computing, Microsoft’s choices reverberate far more widely.
Such examples underscore a basic fact: most computers become “obsolete” not because they’re broken, but because the software that runs on them is artificially restricted. With judicious OS selection, many machines become reliable tools for basic tasks, educational projects, or even as secondary devices for families or non-profits worldwide.
KDE, and the broader Linux world, aren’t just making a play for new users—the movement is shining a light on the tech industry’s most inconvenient truth: real sustainability starts not with new packaging or eco-friendly slogans, but by refusing to throw away what still works. In an era shaped by both innovation and climate anxiety, there’s no smarter, greener, or more rebellious act than making your existing PC last as long as it possibly can.
Source: inkl One of Linux's big hitters declares your Windows 10 PC "is toast," and one angle needs talking about MUCH more
The Looming Windows 10 Sunset—and Its Critics
For the uninitiated, Microsoft has set a clear expiration date for Windows 10: October 14, 2025. After this, mainstream support ends, and millions of older devices will no longer receive updates, security patches, or official backing. On paper, frequent OS upgrades are the heartbeat of a healthy digital ecosystem. They close vulnerabilities, introduce new features, and help users stay productive and secure. But with Windows 11’s rollout, Microsoft raised the bar for hardware compatibility: a host of perfectly functional PCs, including many less than five years old, are not welcome to move to the new OS due to stringent requirements like TPM 2.0 and certain CPU generations.This technical gatekeeping hasn’t gone unnoticed. KDE, one of the most prominent groups behind Linux’s popular Plasma desktop environment, has been forthright: your “Windows 10 PC is toast”—at least if you follow Microsoft’s rules. The KDE community, and many others, see this as a form of what some have called “tech extortion”—a push to force consumers and businesses into hardware upgrades that benefit manufacturers and, yes, swell the bottom lines of major players like Microsoft, Intel, and their OEM partners.
But the story doesn’t end with frustrated consumers; it stretches into one of the most pressing global issues of our time.
Environmental Consequences: The Quiet Crisis Unfolding
While the economic incentive for hardware upgrades is crystal clear—every new device sold is another win for the industry—the environmental cost is nothing short of catastrophic. The global mountain of electronic waste (e-waste) is growing exponentially. The United Nations estimates e-waste reached a record 62 million metric tons in 2022, and it’s expected to rise further, with only about 17.4% officially recycled.But what does this have to do with Windows 10? Quite a bit, it turns out.
Every time a functioning PC is rendered obsolete by a software upgrade policy rather than a hardware failure, it’s pushed into the stream of discarded electronics. As KDE’s commentary pointedly states: “You will be forced to spend your hard-earned cash and will be unwillingly polluting the earth and water as your old machine rots in a landfill. The air will also be polluted with the emissions that come from manufacturing and shipping a new device you don't really need.”
This isn’t hyperbole. Manufacturing a new laptop, for example, can create as much as 300 kg (roughly 660 lbs) of CO₂ emissions, while mining and refining rare earth metals for components has devastating consequences for soil, air, and water in countries where environmental regulations are lax.
The “Green” Creds of Big Tech: Preaching Sustainability, Practicing Obsolescence?
Microsoft, like most tech giants, is remarkably public about its efforts to fight climate change. Sustainability reports, “eco-friendly” packaging, carbon-neutral pledges, and recycling initiatives are all core parts of the brand’s modern messaging. But actions—and business models—sometimes tell a different story.In this case, while Microsoft continues to trumpet its green credentials, its OS policies (intentionally or not) steer massive numbers of perfectly good machines toward the trash heap. The disconnect between green marketing and the practical impact of enforced obsolescence is marked, as highlighted by KDE and echoed by Techradar community voices: “Nothing about Microsoft’s decision to move us to Windows 11 fits into being green, except the color of money.”
Here, the critique isn’t only about environmental costs, but about honesty in tech leadership. Is it truly sustainable for a trillion-dollar company to encourage users to discard rather than maximize the life of their existing devices?
The Linux Prescription: Resurrection, Not Replacement
This is where KDE, and the broader Linux community, step in with both critique and solution. Their promise is simple: where Windows 11 says “your device is obsolete,” Linux says “let’s give it new life.” For many users, especially those with aging—but still functional—hardware, Linux offers a credible, secure, and modern alternative, with distributions like Kubuntu or KDE Neon running smoothly on machines 10–15 years old.Linux and KDE Plasma: Key Strengths for Windows 10 Refugees
Consider the technical and practical upsides:- Low Hardware Requirements: KDE Plasma, in particular, is renowned for its ability to run comfortably even on machines with as little as 2GB of RAM and decade-old CPUs.
- Modern Experience: For ex-Windows users, KDE’s desktop closely mirrors the familiar paradigms of taskbars, start menus, and system trays, easing the transition.
- Security and Stability: Unlike running an unsupported version of Windows, up-to-date Linux distributions receive regular security patches, feature updates, and fresh drivers.
- Open Source Freedom: Users aren’t forced into the latest commercial upgrade cycle; they can continue to use hardware as long as it physically functions.
Why Isn’t Everyone Switching? Challenges and Critiques of the Linux Option
Despite all these strengths, Linux is not a panacea, and it’s vital to acknowledge its challenges head-on, especially for mainstream Windows users suddenly thrust into a post-support world.Software Compatibility and the Windows “Fortress”
For most everyday needs—email, web browsing, office productivity—Linux alternatives are robust and feature-complete. Firefox, LibreOffice, and countless open-source applications provide viable pathways. But for specialized software, particularly in fields tied to legacy Windows apps (think accounting, graphics, engineering), or in gaming, Linux can still present roadblocks:- Lack of Native Windows Application Support: While projects like Wine and Proton (for Steam games) are extraordinary, not every program or workflow will translate flawlessly.
- Peripherals and Drivers: Older or highly specialized printers, scanners, and other peripherals may lack Linux drivers or require advanced troubleshooting.
- Learning Curve: Even with KDE Plasma’s familiar UI, settings management, software installation, and troubleshooting are different. Not every user—especially those less tech-savvy—is comfortable with this jump.
Business Use and Legacy Infrastructure
For enterprise settings, migration is not just a matter of installing a new OS. There are concerns about:- Network Compatibility and Group Policies: Many businesses rely on Active Directory, Group Policy, and proprietary management tools that don’t exist or aren’t as mature on Linux.
- Vendor Lock-In and Proprietary Formats: Years (or decades) of files, databases, or scripts may only run reliably on Windows environments.
- Compliance and Security: IT departments in regulated industries must certify and validate new software environments, which can be a resource-intensive process.
The E-Waste Avalanche: Numbers and Realities
If even a fraction of the estimated 1.4 billion active Windows 10 devices globallyare cast aside over the next two years, the e-waste impact will be monumental—potentially rivaling or surpassing the annual volume of small IT devices disposed worldwide.Here’s a snapshot of the likely cascade:
| Status | Estimate (2023–2025) | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 PCs EOL | ~1.4 billion | Most at risk of artificial obsolescence |
| Upgradeable to Win 11 | ~700 million (approximate) | Lower, but not zero |
| Not Upgradeable (EOL) | ~500–700 million | Highest risk: landfill/disposal |
| Saved by Linux/Other | Variable, but small so far | Potential major reduction if adopted |
The Corporate Double Standard: Business as Usual?
The optics of the situation matter. For years, Microsoft and its peers have asked customers to “think green,” implement energy saving, and recycle whenever possible. Yet the pressure to buy new—fueled by deliberate software compatibility decisions—shows a clear contradiction.When asked directly about mitigation, Microsoft representatives typically point to their recycling partnerships, refurbishment initiatives, and carbon-reduction goals. For example, the company boasts zero-waste certifications at some facilities and in 2020 pledged to be carbon negative by 2030.
Still, when upgrade policy and hardware requirements drive users toward replacement rather than refurbishment, the underlying dynamic doesn’t look very green outside of brand messaging.
Is Tech Extortion the Right Word?
Accusations of “tech extortion”—whereby software companies make otherwise viable devices obsolete—are heavy. Critics argue this is a cycle: vendors sell devices with planned obsolescence in mind, drive upgrades through new software requirements, and ultimately fuel more sales.Although it's true that every OS must eventually retire older hardware to maintain progress, and new features may genuinely require more modern chipsets (like security functions in Windows 11), the abruptness and scale of the jump from Windows 10 to 11—especially given global economic and ecological pressures—raises legitimate questions about balancing security, innovation, and sustainability.
Microsoft is not alone in this. Apple, for instance, routinely drops support for older iPhone and Mac models, and the Android ecosystem is plagued by short device support cycles. Yet, as the dominant force in desktop computing, Microsoft’s choices reverberate far more widely.
Real-World Stories: The Case for Extending Hardware Life
Anecdotes, while not data, can humanize the issue. Numerous Linux users—especially those highlighted by the KDE and broader open-source movements—report breathing years of extra life into ancient hardware. From running lightweight Linux on 13-year-old Mac Minis to reanimating 2010-era laptops, the evidence is widespread and persuasive.Such examples underscore a basic fact: most computers become “obsolete” not because they’re broken, but because the software that runs on them is artificially restricted. With judicious OS selection, many machines become reliable tools for basic tasks, educational projects, or even as secondary devices for families or non-profits worldwide.
Where Do We Go from Here? Paths Forward
For Users: Empowerment, Not Disposal
If you’re facing Windows 10’s end-of-life and your machine isn’t eligible for Windows 11, resist the knee-jerk urge to discard it. Here’s what you can do:- Try a Linux Distribution: KDE Neon, Kubuntu, Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, and others have simple installation guides and active communities.
- Test with USB Live Sessions: Most Linux distros let you “test drive” from a flash drive before making any permanent changes.
- Join Support Forums: Communities like WindowsForum.com, various subreddits, and project-specific boards provide step-by-step help through transitions.
- Donate Older Hardware: If you can't use it, consider donating to organizations that refurbish and redistribute computers to underserved communities.
For Microsoft and the Industry: Rethinking Sustainability
The ball is not just in users’ court. Tech companies—Microsoft included—have both the means and the responsibility to:- Extend Security-Only Support for Older Devices: Even a modest lengthening of support for security updates, à la Windows 7 ESU, can reduce pressure on users.
- Invest in Cross-Platform Compatibility: Support efforts to let old hardware use modern features and cloud services.
- Incentivize Refurbishment: Partner with nonprofits and schools to refresh instead of discard.
- Be Transparent About Green Claims: Audit and publicly report the real-world environmental effects of upgrade cycles.
The Bottom Line: The True Cost of Throwaway Tech
As the PC industry positions Windows 10’s sunset as a moment of “progress,” the undercurrent of environmental fallout grows sharper. While companies chase the next breakthrough, and users navigate bewildering upgrade paths, the world’s landfills pile higher with the ghosts of yesterday’s devices.KDE, and the broader Linux world, aren’t just making a play for new users—the movement is shining a light on the tech industry’s most inconvenient truth: real sustainability starts not with new packaging or eco-friendly slogans, but by refusing to throw away what still works. In an era shaped by both innovation and climate anxiety, there’s no smarter, greener, or more rebellious act than making your existing PC last as long as it possibly can.
Source: inkl One of Linux's big hitters declares your Windows 10 PC "is toast," and one angle needs talking about MUCH more
