End of Windows 10: Millions of Computers Destined for Disposal

In 2025, Microsoft will bring an end to Windows 10: the end-of-support date for its users has been determined. Beyond that, everyone will use this operating system at their own risk. This decision has environmental repercussions, as millions of still-functioning computers will cease to be used.

October 14, 2025: End of Windows 10

Microsoft has announced it: Windows 10 will soon no longer be supported by its publisher. In other words, its users will no longer be able to benefit (at least for free) from security updates or bug fixes.

In response to this, Frédéric Bordage, a pioneer in digital environmental issues and founder of the Green IT collective, shares his perspective on the situation.

240 million computers

currently running Windows 10 but not supporting Windows 11 will soon be discarded

according to Canalys

After this date, computers running Windows 10 will pose a security risk if no action is taken by their owner.

Computers Unfit for Windows 11 Version Update

One exception: users with the LTSC version (Long Term Servicing Channel - a channel for long-term maintenance) "intended for special-purpose devices" (for example, in the healthcare and banking sectors) will continue to receive updates.

You can acquire a long-term support license for a few tens of euros. This allows you to receive compliance updates that fix bugs and security vulnerabilities for many years.
Frédéric Bordage, founder of the Green IT collective

These LTSC versions are intended for professionals. However, Microsoft has announced on its blog the launch of an Extended Security Updates offer. In exchange for an annual subscription fee, Microsoft will allow both businesses and individuals to receive updates - exclusively for security. Currently, no pricing or additional support period has been announced by the American company.

A Strong Environmental Impact

The end of support for such a popular operating system as Windows 10 undoubtedly has a considerable impact on the environment.

37 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions

if the 240 million computers were replaced by new devices

according to Green IT

However, not all of these computers are destined to be destroyed or replaced.

One can obviously migrate to other alternative operating systems like Linux, with mainstream distributions like Lint and Ubuntu.
Frédéric Bordage, founder of the Green IT collective

A Sense of Déjà Vu

Microsoft's announcement recalls what happened with the Windows XP system. In 2009, the American giant announced the end of its support and suggested users switch to Windows Vista.

At that time, many professionals and individuals did not want to migrate to Windows Vista as it would have required replacing a large number of still-functioning computers. Microsoft, not wanting to lose market share, listened to its users. The publisher decided to extend technical support by several years, as Frédéric Bordage reminds us.

Microsoft finally ended support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014; it was extended by 5 years compared to the initially announced period.

It only takes companies and individuals worldwide to say stop, with petitions, for Microsoft to probably extend the lifespan of Windows 10.
Frédéric Bordage, founder of the Green IT collective

CALPIRG, an American public interest group, has launched a petition against Microsoft's decision. Its members have also written an open letter to CEO Satya Nadella asking him to reverse the decision. They also point out that discarding a large number of computers is not in line with Microsoft's sustainability goals.