JAKARTA - Microsoft Corp's plan to end support for the Windows 10 operating system could result in about 240 million private computers (PCs) being disposed of. This has the potential to increase waste in landfills, Canalys Research said.
Electronic waste from this PC is estimated to weigh 480 million kilograms, the equivalent of 320,000 cars.
While many PCs can keep working for years after OS support ends, Canalys warns that demand for devices without security updates could be low.
Microsoft announced plans to provide security updates for Windows 10 devices from October 2028 at undisclosed annual costs.
If the price structure for extended Windows 10 support reflects past trends, switching to a newer PC may be more cost-effective, increasing the number of old PCs heading to the trash dump, Canalys said.
Microsoft aims to stop supporting Windows 10 in October 2025. The next generation of OS, which is anticipated to bring advanced artificial intelligence technology to PC, has the potential to increase the sluggish PC market.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the environmental impact of removing devices that are not compatible with Windows 11.
Hard disks used in private computers and recycled data storage servers to collect materials that can be used in electric vehicle motorcycles and even renewable power plants.
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"Changing unused computers into magnets that drive sustainable technology such as electric vehicles and wind turbines will help meet global demand that continues to increase for electricity," said Noveon Magnetics Chief Commercial Officer Peter Afiony.
Afiuny added that hard disks are often thrown away before reaching their functional life limit, creating excess waste of rare earth magnetic materials.
Battery recycling company Redwood Materials says batteries can be recycled almost indefinitely to regain metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper
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