Microsoft is planning to stop supporting Windows 10 by October 2025, and this decision might have a big impact. A report suggests that around 240 million PCs could end up in landfills because of this.
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Microsoft has shared a plan to offer security updates for Windows 10 devices until October 2028, but users would need to pay an undisclosed annual price for this service. If the cost of extended support follows past trends, it might be more affordable for people to switch to newer PCs, leading to a higher number of older PCs being discarded.
The new generation of the operating system, expected to introduce advanced artificial intelligence technology to PCs, could potentially boost the PC market, which has been slow in recent times.
Microsoft has not yet commented on the environmental impact of disposing of devices that are not compatible with Windows 11.
Recycling the hard drives used in personal computers and data storage servers can be beneficial. The materials from these recycled hard drives can be used in making electric vehicle motors and even for renewable power generation. This process helps turn old computers into magnets that support sustainable technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines.
According to Noveon Magnetics Chief Commercial Officer Peter Afiuny, this practice is essential in meeting the increasing global demand for electricity. He also pointed out that many hard drives are discarded before they reach the end of their functional lifespan, leading to an excess of waste in rare earth magnetic material.
Battery recycling firm Redwood Materials highlighted the recyclability of batteries. Batteries can be almost endlessly recycled to recover metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. This recycling process contributes to the sustainable use of these valuable materials.
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