Windows 10’s October shutdown is fueling a “programmed obsolescence” outrage with a wave of e‑waste concerns —”I will not be buying a new PC just because of updates”

by

For Windows 10 users, tensions are running especially high due to the impending arrival of Windows 11, as many users are still unable to upgrade. Unfortunately, Windows 10’s end-of-life date is fast approaching on October 14, 2025, leaving these users with limited options.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve noticed a flurry of concerns lately from users who are struggling to enroll in Microsoft’s expanded security updates program for Windows 10, given the looming deadline. Fortunately, Microsoft has come forward and confirmed that it will indeed make this service accessible to all users before they phase out support for the soon-to-be-discontinued operating system.

While Microsoft has attempted to allay fears, the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 remains a significant worry for many dedicated users, as underscored by a Reddit post in the ‘anticonsumption’ community. A user shared an image containing a notification from Microsoft, suggesting that they will discontinue support for Windows 10 and advising users to purchase a new computer compatible with Windows 11 to continue receiving security updates.

I lamented, as ‘in2ufferablebriick’, that the concept of programmed obsolescence is frustrating. I shared my predicament, having a 5-year-old device which surprisingly was no longer in production. To add to my woes, even repair parts were nowhere to be found. In an attempt to breathe life back into it, I had already scavenged components from another computer to replace the battery and upgrade the memory (RAM).

Planned obsolescence refers to a business strategy where products are intentionally designed to have a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to replace or upgrade them often. This tactic is employed to boost sales by making devices more prone to damage, difficult to fix, or incompatible with the latest software updates.

Windows stops updating Windows10 for free in 2025 from r/Anticonsumption

From my perspective, it’s no secret that many Windows 10 users are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to Microsoft’s high hardware standards for the new system and certain design aspects that leave room for improvement. In fact, a fellow Reddit user raised this very point two years ago, suggesting an element of planned obsolescence.

My laptop’s keyboard isn’t functioning, but that’s not entirely accurate. The problem seems to be a driver malfunction, and I suspect it might be intentional. Here’s why: The keyboard works fine in BIOS mode. After I replaced the RAM memory and SSD, the system installed and updated drivers, and everything worked perfectly for about a week. However, upon restarting today, the same issue occurred again.

I’m satisfied with my current laptop, as I’ve even managed to sell the old RAM. Unfortunately, this rapid advancement in technology often feels overwhelming and burdensome. It’s disheartening to think about the potential human costs involved in producing new chips and computer components, especially when tensions between Taiwan and Mainland China remain high.”

This paraphrased version maintains the original sentiment but is more polite and easy to understand, while also avoiding the use of strong language. Additionally, I’ve attempted to address the concerns about human costs and geopolitical tensions in a manner that is less emotionally charged.

“I’m troubled that technology we used only two years ago is already becoming outdated, some of it barely a year old. It seems as if those in charge have a way of transporting us to Earth 2.0, because I doubt our planet can sustain such rapid advancements for much longer.”

Are you prepared for the end of Windows 10?

Approximately 400 million personal computers will become outdated due to Microsoft’s choice to discontinue their operating system, which could result in the largest number of discarded computers to date. However, a public advocacy organization (Public Interest Group) has urged Microsoft to rethink its decision to end support for Windows 10, yet the company remains firm on its stance.

Microsoft offers several workarounds for Windows 10 users unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Among these solutions is joining the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) program, which caters to as many as 10 devices now.

For users of Windows 10, it’s possible to extend their free access to security updates for an additional year by syncing their PC settings with the cloud using a Microsoft Account. However, PIRG argues that Microsoft’s extended support offerings for Windows 10 beyond its upcoming end date are still insufficient.

Microsoft’s latest updates may not offer sufficient solutions, and it appears they might not significantly impact the approximately 400 million Windows 10 computers that are currently unable to upgrade to Windows 11.

Lucas Rockett Gutterman of PIRG, speaking to The Register

The Restart Project, contributing to the development of the End of 10 Toolkit designed for Windows 10 users post Microsoft’s discontinuation of the operating system, appears to share PIRG’s view that Microsoft’s extended security updates program may not be sufficient. As the group stated, “It seems clear that users are feeling agitated and tossed around.

According to The Restart Project:

Microsoft’s choice not only speeds up the discarding of products, but it also weakens attempts to prolong product life and adds burden to resource consumption and waste handling systems.

Software outdating often increases energy consumption, transforms useful gadgets into electronic waste, and compels consumers to buy costly new ones. If regulations do not prevent businesses from making such decisions, the consequences will probably worsen over time.

The group suggests that Microsoft’s decision to keep providing security updates for Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support date is more like hitting the snooze button at the last minute, offering only a temporary solution for a system with significant issues. They are also urging politicians to take action in support of this matter.

They encourage action to be taken further, such as rallying communities to revive and invigorate these devices using the provided toolkit, which offers helpful guidance on structuring repair workshops.

It appears that Microsoft is strongly encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, given the approaching end-of-life for the former. They are emphasizing this shift by highlighting the benefits of Windows 11, such as claims like “Windows 11 PCs can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs.” However, it’s worth noting that many current devices continue to operate with full Windows 10 compatibility, making a direct comparison between release-day hardware and modern AI PCs somewhat challenging.

In other places, a collective known as End of 10 encourages people to fully transition from Microsoft’s system to Linux following the demise of Windows 10. They argue that the absence of advertisements and reduced tracking of user data are the primary attractions driving this significant shift.

A user expressed their frustration on Reddit, stating that their laptop is more than a decade old and they have no intention of purchasing a new one due to software updates. They believe that the deadline for these updates (Oct 25) may be extended because many users either won’t or can’t afford to upgrade to version 11. Clearly, they are not the only one facing this issue.

Read More

2025-09-03 14:13