Microsoft is preparing to end support for many Windows 10 devices in 2025, and the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has started a petition to extend the support period for the operating system. The research group recently delivered 20,000 signatures to the company, calling for Microsoft to end support to prevent these devices from entering the waste stream.
The tech giant plans to stop providing security updates for Windows 10 as soon as 2025, which will affect up to 400 million of the 1 billion Windows 10 devices in use, according to the PIRG. The Public Interest Research Group is an NGO focused on consumer protection, public health, and transportation and is trying to prevent Windows 10 devices from ending up in the waste stream.
“Microsoft abandoning Windows 10 could cause the obsolescence of more computers than any single action ever,” said PIRG’s Designed to Last campaign director Lucas Rockett in a press release. “Microsoft needs to rethink this decision and continue providing security updates for the millions of people who can’t upgrade their computers, for the sake of both their finances and environment.”
According to the press release, about 40 percent of PCs can’t upgrade to Windows 11. Some believe Microsoft’s actions are surprising, considering the company’s past actions and environmental goals. Additionally, Microsoft has extended support for older operating systems, such as Windows XP, which received updates for 13 years. The press release also noted that Windows 10 was compatible with most older computers when it was released, and the previous Windows system was discontinued.
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