Microsoft's draconian Windows 11 restrictions will send an estimated 240 million PCs to the landfill when Windows 10 hits end of life in 2025 https://www.tomshardware.com/softwa...3134e2703df2516d7ef5d7249a9170c634cd67a9b95bf Microsoft's decision to end support of Windows 10 in October 2025 could mean a massive upgrade cycle for PC makers. However, it could lead to an enormous increase in electronic waste, according to Canalys. About 240 million PCs might become unusable due to compatibility issues with the newer Windows 11. This situation is causing concern, as it might result in many of these older computers ending up in landfills. The arrival of Windows 11 in late 2021 did not encourage massive PC sales, but the end of Windows 10 support in late 2025 could mark a turning point for the struggling PC market, stimulating customers to upgrade their systems. However, the phasing out of Windows 10 support threatens the usability of numerous existing devices. This shift is poised to affect the market dynamics significantly, with Canalys forecasting market growth of 8% in 2024 as consumers seek to replace older PCs with models compatible with Windows 11 or, potentially, Windows 12. Multiple key barriers prevent Windows 10-compatible PCs from running Windows 10, including a need for a 64-bit processor listed by Microsoft as a 'supported CPU,' at least 4 GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability instead of the older BIOS. Additionally, a crucial requirement is TPM version 2.0 for enhanced security, which supersedes the TPM 1.2 version supported by some Windows 10 devices. In addition, Windows 11 also demands a DirectX 12-compatible GPU with a WDDM 2.x driver, which leaves out many older iGPUs. Many systems are still running outdated CPUs and using BIOS instead of UEFI with no SecureBoot support. Canalys believes that a staggering 240 million PCs do not comply with Windows 11's requirements and are set to be rendered obsolete by Windows 10's October 14, 2025 support deadline. While recycling remains a viable option for these systems, the lack of compatibility with the latest Windows iteration significantly devalues them, making refurbishment less feasible. Consequently, despite growing capabilities in the refurbishment sector, many of these devices are still destined for landfills. This situation highlights a critical challenge in managing and disposing of electronic waste, Canalys believes. In response to these concerns, Microsoft has announced the availability of Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 until October 2028, albeit at a cost. This move, mirroring previous strategies for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, offers a temporary reprieve for users of older PCs. However, the anticipated expense of these updates may deter many from opting for this solution, pushing them towards newer, Windows 11-compatible devices. The scenario underscores a broader responsibility among manufacturers and software developers to design products with longer life cycles. Canalys believes emphasizing durability, repairability, and recyclability is crucial to reducing e-waste. This approach, combined with longer-term software support, can significantly extend the usable life of devices, fostering a more sustainable and circular economy in the technology sector. However, the lack of regulatory mandates in this area, unlike the upcoming EU regulations for smartphones and tablets, leaves much of this responsibility on industry players who are struggling to sell more devices.
Just why? Only people who have an Apple mentality of needing to have the latest and greatest would need/want to upgrade, but not if they are using their PCs for the typical things people use them for. My Win7 machines are running just fine, and they will continue to run what they have been running. All those people who have Win 10 running now will be able to run their shit for years to come.
I certainly hope so. I would like to know what the vulnerabilities actually are...in the event they stop updates.
Here's a tip for all you who think you're out of luck when it comes to upgrading to Windows 11. When I tried to upgrade my Windows 10 to Windows 11, I got a popup message saying the hardware wasn't compatible to run Win11. So I did what I usually do and googled about it. And, unsurprisingly, that was nothing but full of crap. It turned out that all I needed was to add a couple lines in the registry and I could install Win11 just fine. So simply follow the instructions from the link below and you'll be on your merry way. How to bypass "This PC doesn't currently meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11" https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/bypass-windows-11-tpm-requirement
I followed a YouTube video to upgrade to windows 11. Just had to mount the ISO and issue one command and a laptop that was destined for landfill has been saved. No editing of the registry was required.