RIAUREVIEW.COM –Windows 11 operating restrictions policy is estimated to cause 240 million computers to end up in landfills.
Launching Techspot, Saturday (23/12/2023), technology researchers from Canalys warned that 240 million PCs could end up in landfills after Microsoft ended support for Windows 10.
This is the result of Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements since its launch at the end of 2021.
Initially, Microsoft warned about compatibility issues, which didn’t go over well, and users looked for ways to avoid hardware checks. This condition raises further concerns as Windows 10 approaches end-of-life (EOL) status.
Reuters estimates that the pile of obsolete computer waste will be equivalent to 480 million kilograms of electronic waste.
For perspective, it is added that such a pile is equivalent to about 320 thousand cars.
“Microsoft’s decision will exacerbate the industry’s e-waste problem and highlight the role of OS vendors in enabling circular IT models,” Canalys researchers said.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 should help support the struggling PC market as customers prepare for another update cycle – but ending support for Windows 10 could prevent hundreds of millions of devices from getting a second life, leaving many to potentially end up in landfills.
However, the estimate that 240 million computers will end up in the trash by 2025 may be slightly off. Because Microsoft has announced that it will offer additional security updates for Windows 10 until 2028.
Of course, continuing EOL coverage isn’t free or cheap. Only a small percentage of customers with outdated PCs, especially businesses, will pay for it.
Microsoft will also benefit from the renewed demand for Windows 11 brought by Windows 10’s shutdown.
Then there’s Linux and reuse efforts to consider. A small to moderate number of Windows 10 computers will get a new life as Linux computers and servers. Others will continue to run Win10 for functions such as testing and research. Air gap networking reduces the need for new security updates and allows Windows 10 to remain usable indefinitely.
Additionally, most users will recycle their e-waste. Even some of the smallest communities have e-waste drives at least once a year.
Others have full-time recycling centers dedicated to recycling discarded PC components and other electronics, which helps address the ongoing scarcity of these manufacturing resources. Hard drives and other components provide materials that manufacturers can use in the production of electric vehicles or power generation structures, such as windmills.
“Turning obsolete computers into magnets that power sustainable technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines will help meet the increasing global demand for electricity,” said Peter Afiuny, Chief Commercial Officer of Noveon Magnetics.
Waste processors can also recycle metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper from the batteries inside discarded computers to make more batteries for new electronics.
Other materials such as aluminum and plastic can be recycled for use in various other products. While 240 million is a sizable number of obsolete computers, only a small fraction will end up in the trash after Win10 reaches EOL status on October 14, 2025, as Canalys fears.
Modern e-waste recycling should handle the majority of waste projected to head to landfills.
SOURCE: Sindonews.com
2023-12-24 12:32:28
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