Windows 10: Computer recycling at the end of support

There is an uproar on the internet, as Microsoft has allegedly advised users to dispose of computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. The uproar is sparked by a support document in which Microsoft provides information on the end of support for Windows 10.

The document is still available on Microsoft's website. In it, Microsoft once again clearly states that Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. “Good news! Buying a brand-new device is not your only option,” the company writes there. As long as the system meets the Windows 11 specifications and system requirements, it can be migrated to Windows 11 without replacing the hardware.

Support article should help when weighing up a new purchase

The Microsoft article is actually intended to help interested parties to check whether they need a new computer or whether the existing computer can be updated to Windows 11. However, it ends with the paragraph “Recycle your PC responsibly”.

The following wording from Microsoft offends many: “When it's time to say goodbye to your old device, make sure you recycle it responsibly.” It seems a little snarky when Microsoft explains: “Reduce your environmental impact at the end of your device's life by sending in your old PC to be recycled responsibly or trade it in for money to buy a faster, safer, new Windows 11 PC”. The footnotes discuss that in some US states, Microsoft Surface devices can be sent in for recycling; the cash for trade-in program is only available in the Microsoft Store in some countries, and apparently only applies when certain new Surface PCs are purchased at the same time.

There is no specific wording stating that Microsoft is telling customers to throw their old devices that are incompatible with Windows 11 in the trash. However, the fact that Microsoft wants to sell its own new hardware is due to the company's purpose and is not really a reproach. Responsible recycling certainly also includes upcycling, for example by installing a Linux distribution on the older hardware –. As a rule, the open source operating system should be able to run on it.

What you need to know about the end of support for Windows 10 has already been summarized by c't. It is important to note that doing nothing is not an alternative. Without security updates, Windows will quickly become vulnerable, and we will see at the latest on Microsoft patch days that these security gaps are also actively attacked by cyber criminals.

(dmk)