Refurbished Windows 10 PCs on the ‘Back Market’ combat Microsoft’s programmed obsolescence with ChromeOS and Linux

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Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 in less than a month, effectively ending its lifespan. This decision has sparked criticism, with groups like the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) warning it could result in a massive surge of discarded computers.

Although Microsoft offered ways to continue using older Windows versions – like linking your settings to the cloud with a Microsoft account, using Microsoft Reward points, or paying for Extended Support Updates (which now covers up to 10 devices) – experts say these aren’t practical solutions for the 400 million computers that can’t be upgraded to Windows 11.

The Restart Project also helped create the “End of 10” toolkit, a resource for people still using Windows 10 after it stops receiving updates.

Critics argue that Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program is just a temporary fix, delaying necessary upgrades for a year instead of solving the underlying issues. With recent data showing that around half of all computers worldwide still use Windows 10, Microsoft is expected to earn over $7.3 billion from businesses needing these short-term updates.

Microsoft is facing criticism for planning to discontinue support for Windows 10. Some believe this is a deliberate strategy to force users to upgrade to Windows 11, and possibly purchase new computers with Copilot+ features.

Back Market aims to counter Microsoft’s planned obsolescence as Windows 10 support ends

Windows 10 users facing the end of support may have a solution. Back Market, a company that sells refurbished tech, is now offering a small number of older HP and Lenovo laptops running Windows 10, as reported by Fast Company.

Interestingly, these devices come with Google’s Chrome OS Flex already installed. However, the manufacturer only has a limited supply of 50 units, which won’t significantly impact the 400 million PCs that Microsoft plans to stop supporting on October 14, 2025 – a practice some call “programmed obsolescence.”

According to Amandine Durr, Back Market’s head of product development, the company is strongly focused on giving older, outdated PCs – those that can’t run Windows 11 – a new life as a distinct product offering.

I visited Back Market’s website and found its “Obsolete Computer” section.

Starting October 14th, around 400 million laptops currently used for work will no longer receive updates from Microsoft’s Windows 11. This is a common practice by tech companies, designed to encourage consumers to purchase new devices. We believe it’s unacceptable that so many functional computers will become electronic waste, which is a rapidly increasing global problem. We’re taking a stand against this unnecessary disposal of usable technology.

Back Market

I’ve been reading about something called ‘planned obsolescence,’ and it’s pretty concerning. It seems large tech companies, like Microsoft, intentionally design their products to become outdated or unusable after a certain amount of time. This isn’t accidental – it’s a deliberate strategy to get people to buy newer versions, and unfortunately, it’s causing lasting harm to the environment.

Back Market suggests three ways to get more life out of older tech: installing ChromeOS or Linux Ubuntu on old Windows 10 computers, learning how to make your devices last longer with simple tips, and connecting with communities that can help you repair them.

Microsoft is strongly encouraging users to switch to Windows 11, even claiming it can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10. But it’s unclear if Windows will stay the world’s most popular desktop operating system. Other options, like Linux, are becoming more appealing, especially because they don’t have ads or track user data like Windows does, leading some people to switch away from Microsoft.

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2025-09-18 14:40