The End of Windows 10 Support Draws Close: What Would This Mean for Businesses?

Windows 10 will reach end-of-life in October of 2025 following a decade-long run. Those using devices with Windows 10 are encouraged to migrate to the latest version as feature updates, security updates and fixes, and technical support from Microsoft will cease. If your device does not meet the stringent system requirements for Windows 11, you won’t be able to upgrade your operating system, and any attempts to install it will fail.?

While customers can technically ignore this end-of-support deadline as the devices will still be usable, this is unfortunately a risky decision. The longer you go without updating your Windows 10, the longer you go without any security updates, and the higher the chances of data leak occurrences.?

While Microsoft has offered paid security updates for Windows 10, this only serves to delay the inevitable. Sooner or later, everyone will have to update to Windows 11, and the cost of paying for these updates may not be worth it in the long run.

What Does The End of Windows 10 Mean for The Future of Obsolete IT?

This undoubtedly puts businesses around the world in a difficult position as there may be a need to replace these old devices with new ones that support Windows 11. This is where the real problem arises. This global need to shift to devices with updated hardware will consequently lead to a vast increase in the production of e-waste.?

It is estimated that 240 million PCs could end up in landfills as they will be incompatible with Windows 11. However, this need not be the case. There are ways to mitigate the environmental risks posed by the end of Windows 10 support.

Windows 11 has been around for almost three years now. While some businesses have begun mapping out and executing the transition process, there are plenty that have not planned this out. With only a year or so left till the end of Windows 10 support, the need to phase out unsupported devices has become more urgent.

An Increased Need for IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)

While paying for security updates on Windows 10 is one option, there is a better way of dealing with this. ITAD companies like SPW can help you manage the transition to Windows 11 by refurbishing and remarketing your old IT for further use. This is always the most viable option when phasing out old IT for new ones. Not only will we be extending the lifecycle of perfectly usable devices, but we are also fostering a circular economy.

While the lack of Windows 11 support in these devices may prove to be an obstacle in the resale of the devices, we can still help prevent them from ending up in landfills. The UN’s 2024 Global E-waste Monitor reported that a staggering 62 million tonnes of e-waste was generated in 2022, with the rate of e-waste production surpassing formal recycling efforts by a factor of five. We will ensure that the components of your devices are recycled responsibly so resources are not wasted. This would contribute towards your business’s sustainability and ESG goals, and reduce your carbon footprint.

Furthermore, and perhaps the most important of all, we specialise in the most vital part of any IT refresh - data sanitisation . We apply sustainable data wiping methods to render all data contained in your IT devices irretrievable. Data sanitisation does beyond just data erasure - it comes with data erasure verification and an auditable compliance report.

Conclusion

ITAD plays a crucial role in addressing the global e-waste problem - this is irrefutable.?

Finding a trusted and certified ITAD service provider is key in managing your unsupported devices as you replace them with newer models. One factor to consider when looking for an ITAD company is their certifications, such as the R2v3 (Responsible Recycling) certification. This guarantees that the vendor adheres to the best industry practices and complies with both local and international regulations for IT asset disposal, many of which are strictly regulated.?

At SPW, we aim to provide you with peace of mind throughout your IT refresh process. We are certified and committed to making a positive difference by reducing unethical disposal practices and promoting the responsible recycling of IT devices.?

So if you are impacted by the retirement of Windows 10, reach out to us now and let us help you make this transition a little easier.