On October 14th the end of support for Windows 10. This is bad news from a security point of view because it leaves millions of computers without security updates. There is another reason that makes Microsoft’s decision a terrible idea: the enormous amount of garbage that will be generated.
what has happened. Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 ten years after its launch. It seems like a longer period, the problem is that there are still many people using this version. In addition to the risk to the safety of this equipment, in 404media They highlight the environmental issue.
Although not everyone who has a Windows 10 computer is going to throw it away the same day support ends, the decision will cause many to end up renewing their computers for this reason. There is also the particular case of large organizations, such as educational or government centers, that probably have regulations that prevent them from using outdated equipment, so they will have to renew them en masse.
Why is it important. When Microsoft decided to end support for Windows 8, the version only had a 4% market share. The problem is that Windows 10 is installed on 43% of devices, which in concrete numbers is 400 million computers. The consumer organization PIRG warns that such a large amount of equipment has never been left unsupported at once and they estimate that it could translate into 800 million tons of electronic waste.
E-waste. Electronic waste is a threat to the environment. According to the WHOincorrect disposal of this type of product can release up to 1,000 chemicals, many of them toxic such as lead or mercury. Extending the useful life of electronic devices has become a central issue in the environmental debate, which has prompted the creation of laws such as the right to repair, already in force in the European Union.
Half solutions. Microsoft’s solution was for us to pay 30 euros to continue receiving security updates. A few days ago, the company launched a lifeline to users who want to continue using Windows 10 extending security patches for another year, although it had small print. In Europe it is relatively easy to do it, but in the United States it is more complicated because it requires using Windows Backup or use 1,000 program points Microsoft Rewards.
The easiest way to secure your computers is to upgrade to Windows 11. The problem is that there are certain technical requirements and many computers do not meet them, although There are methods to install it anyway.
Easy targets. There is another problem and that is security. we all remember the Wannacry ransomware disaster in 2017. It impacted numerous companies globally and had its origin in a vulnerability in older versions of Windows, specifically Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The end of security updates leaves millions of Windows 10 users vulnerable to attacks like this.
Image | Wikipedia
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings