Kieren Jessop, an analyst with Canalys, revealed that a significant portion of the global Windows installed base will be unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements, specifically the TPM 2.0 chip. This could result in over 200 million devices becoming e-waste by the time Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10 in October 2025.
While these devices may still be usable, their value for refurbishing and reselling will be greatly diminished due to their incompatibility with the latest supported version of Windows. Many businesses with older PCs will be compelled to purchase new devices once Windows 10 support ends.
Bonanza for Landfills
Microsoft’s increased hardware requirements for Windows 11 over Windows 10 may lead to a large number of PCs being discarded, even if they are capable of running daily applications. The end of support for Windows 10 will drive PC sales as companies refresh their fleets.
Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence is rendering older PCs obsolete, as AI-driven applications require more advanced hardware. The shift towards on-device AI inferencing will further accelerate the retirement of older PCs.
Cascading PCs
Despite the push to extend the lifespan of hardware in the corporate enterprise, the incompatibility of system requirements between different departments may limit the practice of cascading machines. However, organizations are exploring longer lifecycles for machines, with some OEMs considering up to a seven-year lifespan.
Sustainability Lesson
The volume of e-waste generated by the end of Windows 10 support underscores the importance of maximizing the usable lifespan of devices. Device vendors and OS vendors must collaborate to embed durability, repairability, and recyclability into their products to promote a circular economy.
Consumers also have a crucial role to play in making informed purchase decisions and properly disposing of devices to reduce e-waste. Vendors are increasingly focusing on sustainability in their marketing campaigns for new hardware, emphasizing longevity and repairability.
