- Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 is facing criticism for potential environmental and financial impacts.
- Consumers are pressured to upgrade to Windows 11, but many devices are incompatible, leading to unnecessary electronic waste.
- Critics argue that the move prioritizes corporate profits over consumer choice and sustainability.
Microsoft’s announcement to cease support for Windows 10 has ignited a wave of criticism, underscoring the tech giant’s perennial struggle between innovation and consumer satisfaction. As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 users will no longer receive security updates, rendering their devices vulnerable to cyber threats. While Microsoft encourages a free upgrade to Windows 11, the reality is that not all devices can support the new operating system, leaving millions of users with a stark choice: upgrade their hardware or risk exposure.
The decision has sparked a backlash from consumer advocacy groups and environmentalists alike. Nathan Proctor, senior director at the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), has been vocal in his criticism, labeling the move as a “disaster for both consumers and the environment.” Proctor argues that the end of support for Windows 10 forces consumers into unnecessary spending and contributes to electronic waste, a growing environmental concern. The sentiment echoes a broader frustration with the tech industry’s trend of planned obsolescence, where devices are rendered obsolete not by their physical condition but by software constraints.
According to Statcounter, Windows 10 still powers approximately 43% of the world’s 1.4 billion Windows devices. In the UK alone, consumer guide Which? estimates that around 21 million people are still using Windows 10. Despite Microsoft’s push for users to transition to Windows 11, a significant portion of the user base remains hesitant. A survey conducted by Which? revealed that about a quarter of Windows 10 users plan to continue using the operating system even after official support ends, while others are considering purchasing new computers.
The financial implications are significant. For those unable to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides critical security updates for a fee. Personal users can access ESU for free if they meet certain criteria, such as having a Microsoft account and the latest version of Windows 10. However, commercial organizations face a $61 per device fee, a cost that could quickly escalate for businesses with large fleets of computers.
Critics argue that Microsoft’s approach prioritizes corporate profits over consumer choice and sustainability. The forced obsolescence of functional devices not only burdens consumers financially but also exacerbates the global e-waste crisis. As devices are discarded prematurely, the environmental impact is profound, with electronic waste contributing to pollution and resource depletion.
Microsoft’s strategy also raises questions about the balance between innovation and accessibility. While Windows 11 offers enhanced features and improved security, the exclusion of older devices from the upgrade path highlights a disconnect between technological advancement and consumer needs. The tech giant’s insistence on a Microsoft account for certain features further fuels privacy concerns, as users are compelled to share personal data to access essential services.
The backlash against Microsoft’s decision is emblematic of a broader tension within the tech industry. As companies push for rapid innovation, consumers are increasingly caught in a cycle of forced upgrades and diminishing returns. The challenge for Microsoft and its peers is to reconcile the drive for progress with the imperative of sustainability and consumer empowerment.
As the deadline for Windows 10 support looms, the coming months will test Microsoft’s ability to navigate these competing priorities. The company’s response will not only shape its relationship with consumers but also influence the broader discourse on technology’s role in society. In an era where digital transformation is both inevitable and essential, the stakes have never been higher.