Microsoft's Windows 10 support shutdown may result in massive e-waste, warns Canalys Research

Microsoft Corporation is set to terminate support for its Windows 10 operating system, potentially leading to the disposal of approximately 240 million personal computers (PSs), as revealed by a study from Canalys Research. This move could contribute significantly to electronic waste.

The research estimates that the electronic waste generated from these discarded PCs could weigh a staggering 480 million kilograms, equivalent to the weight of around 320,000 cars. Although many of these PCs could remain functional even after the end of operating system support, Canalys cautioned that demand for devices lacking security updates might dwindle.

Microsoft has outlined a plan to offer security updates for Windows 10 devices until October 2028, with the pricing details kept undisclosed. Canalys speculates that if the pricing structure follows past trends, migrating to newer PCs might become more cost-effective, leading to a surge in the disposal of older PCs.

The tech giant aims to cease support for Windows 10 by October 2025. The upcoming generation, Windows 11, expected to introduce advanced artificial intelligence technology to PCs, holds the potential to rejuvenate the sluggish PC market.

Despite the impending environmental impact of discarding Windows 11-incompatible devices, Microsoft has yet to comment on the matter. Electronic waste, especially hard drives used in personal computers and data storage servers, can contribute to sustainability efforts by providing materials for electric vehicle motors and renewable power generation.

Noveon Magnetics Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Afiuny, emphasized the positive aspect of repurposing end-of-life computers. He mentioned that turning end-of-life computers into magnets, which power sustainable technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines, would contribute to meeting the increasing global demand for electricity.

However, Afiuny emphasized that hard drives are often discarded prematurely, leading to an excess of rare earth magnetic material waste. On a more optimistic note, battery recycling firm Redwood Materials emphasized the near-infinite recyclability of batteries, offering the potential to recover metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper.

As the digital landscape evolves, the environmental consequences of technological advancements pose new challenges, urging the industry to find sustainable solutions for electronic waste.