Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 and require the use of Windows 11 may have negative consequences for the environment. According to research conducted by Canalys, as many as 240 million computers could end up in landfills or be improperly recycled. This is a huge number of devices that could have a detrimental impact on the natural environment.
The most concerning aspect of this problem is the fact that many of these devices are still fully functional but do not meet the minimum requirements of Windows 11. This is especially true for computers with fifth, sixth, and seventh-generation Intel Core i5/i7 processors. Unfortunately, without support from Microsoft, these devices will be abandoned or inadequately recycled.
Organizations such as Canalys emphasize the need to maximize the lifespan of electronics and protect the environment. However, there is a lack of regulations regarding electronic device recycling. Microsoft’s decision regarding the TPM 2.0 module has caused concern among Windows 10 users, especially as the end of support period approaches. This not only affects regular consumers but also business customers who also have many devices that do not meet the requirements of Windows 11.
Although Microsoft has announced a paid extended support program for Windows 10 until 2028, there are still many uncertainties. The fees for these updates may be unattainable for organizations with limited budgets. Therefore, some may choose to purchase new computers instead of paying Microsoft for extended support.
FAQ
What are the minimum system requirements for Windows 11?
The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 are a processor with at least 1 GHz power, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of disk space, as well as the need to use TPM 2.0 module.
Are there regulations for electronic device recycling?
Currently, there is a lack of regulations for electronic device recycling, both for hardware and software.
Source:
Canalys – https://www.canalys.com
The source of the article is from the blog smartphonemagazine.nl