According to SlashGear, Microsoft’s Windows 10 support changes could ultimately affect roughly 400 million PCs, raising concerns about how many functioning computers may enter the electronic waste stream earlier than necessary. The issue is not that these computers have suddenly stopped working. Instead, many do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11 and are now operating on an aging Windows platform with fewer long term support options.
Microsoft officially ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Until that point, people with computers that could not upgrade to Windows 11 could continue using Windows 10 while receiving regular security and feature updates.
The end of standard support changed that situation. Many Windows 10 computers remain perfectly functional, but continuing to operate them without regular security updates can become a growing concern for users.
Why So Many PCs Cannot Upgrade to Windows 11
One of the biggest issues is that Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10.
Microsoft requires compatible Windows 11 computers to support technologies including TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot. Windows 11 also supports a more limited selection of newer processors.
As a result, many computers capable of running Windows 10 cannot officially upgrade to Windows 11.
SlashGear cites PIRG’s Electronic Waste Graveyard report, which estimates that approximately 400 million PCs are affected by these compatibility requirements. If those computers were eventually discarded, the report estimates they could represent approximately 1.6 billion pounds of electronic waste.
Working Computers Could Still Be Replaced
The concern surrounding these computers is unusual because many of them have not reached the end of their physical operating life.
A computer may still be capable of performing everyday tasks while being unable to meet Microsoft’s requirements for Windows 11. Once regular security support disappears, however, users may begin considering replacement even when the underlying hardware continues to function.
Microsoft says its Windows 11 requirements are intended to improve security, performance, compatibility, and reliability.
Critics of the requirements argue that they can also leave users with fewer choices and potentially contribute to additional electronic waste if otherwise usable computers are replaced.
That does not mean all 400 million affected computers will immediately become e-waste.
Some owners may continue using their current computers, install another operating system, attempt an alternative Windows upgrade, trade the computers in, recycle them, or find another purpose for the hardware.
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates
Windows 10 users also have the option of Extended Security Updates.
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program can provide Windows 10 security updates through October 12, 2027. SlashGear reports that eligible users can receive the extended updates for free, while other users may have a $30 enrollment option.
This gives some Windows 10 users additional time before deciding whether to replace their computers or move to another operating system.
Another option mentioned by SlashGear is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which has support extending into January 2032.
Alternative Operating Systems for Older PCs
Users whose computers cannot officially run Windows 11 may also consider changing operating systems instead of replacing their hardware.
Linux is one option. It is an open source operating system available through numerous distributions, including options designed to provide an experience that may feel familiar to Windows users.
Google also offers ChromeOS Flex, a lightweight operating system that can be installed on certain older computers. Google maintains a list of certified models so users can determine whether a particular computer is compatible.
These alternatives could allow some hardware to remain useful even when it cannot officially transition to Windows 11.
Continuing to Use Windows 10
Another possibility is simply continuing to operate Windows 10.
The computer itself will not suddenly stop functioning because standard Microsoft support has ended. However, using an unsupported version of Windows can create increasing security concerns as regular security updates disappear.
Software developers may also eventually stop prioritizing or supporting Windows 10 as the operating system becomes older.
For that reason, continuing to use the operating system indefinitely may not be a practical long term solution for every user.
What This Could Mean for Electronic Waste
The Windows 10 transition illustrates how software requirements can affect the useful lifespan of computer hardware. For a deeper look at what happens when computers reach the end of their useful life, read our guide to the environmental impact of computers.
Approximately 400 million PCs are estimated to be unable to make the official transition to Windows 11 because of Microsoft’s hardware requirements. If all of those machines were discarded, PIRG estimates they could contribute approximately 1.6 billion pounds of electronic waste.
Not every affected computer will be thrown away. Some will continue running Windows 10, receive extended security updates, switch operating systems, be repurposed, traded in, or recycled.
Still, with hundreds of millions of computers potentially affected, the end of Windows 10 support has created a significant question about what ultimately happens to PCs that continue to work but can no longer officially run Microsoft’s newest operating system.
For EACR Inc., this matters because technology changes can create large volumes of retired electronics even when the hardware itself has not completely stopped working. When businesses and consumers decide it is time to replace older computers, those devices should be handled responsibly rather than simply discarded. Working with a qualified electronics recycling company can help ensure retired computers, components, and other electronics are properly collected and processed while keeping reusable materials in circulation.
