End of Windows 10 Support Could Cause Catastrophic E-Waste. Here’s How to Avoid This

You may have heard about Microsoft’s switch to the Windows 11 operating system, and an end to support for the Windows 10 system, but why does this matter?

Critically, this change could make up to 400 million computers unsecure. Because the new Windows 11 operating system has strict hardware requirements, some people with older PCs and laptops may now find that they have not been able to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10. Millions of people must now either buy new computers, or risk cybersecurity threats by using unsecure and unsupported Windows 10 software.

This is an example of planned obsolescence. The Restart Project reports that this decision could lead to 700 million kg of electrical waste, adding to the 62 billion kg of e-waste produced globally every year.

We want to make sure that people in Merton, who might now be faced with a perfectly good computer but an unsupported operating system, know their options for keeping their computer functional and secure. Our tech repair volunteer Hitesh has outlined 7 options for you if you are affected by the end of Windows 10 support.

Windows 10 End of Life: 14th October 2025

“When Microsoft launched Windows 11 in October 2021, it assumed that within four years nearly every PC user would be running the new operating system. It therefore stuck to its original end-of-support date for Windows 10 (14th October 2025).

Now that day has come and it's clear Microsoft's prediction was overoptimistic. The latest figures show that, while Windows 11 now has more users than Windows 10, with a 53% global market share, 43% of us still run the older operating system. That equates to around 600 million users, who all face the same dilemma of what to do when Windows 10 stops receiving security updates.

Of course, the easiest option is to do nothing when support ends, and keep using Windows 10 like you always have done. But being complacent will expose your PC to serious security risks, so I strongly advise against it.

Thankfully, there are seven options for Windows 10 users who don't want to upgrade to Windows 11, or can't because their PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements. Some of the workarounds are surprisingly simple.”

Seven Ways to Use Your Windows PC After the “End of 10”

Option 1: Backup Data to OneDrive for Extended Security Updates

Enroll for Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) using Windows Backup by enabling Windows to backup to OneDrive.

Cons: Microsoft only gives you 5GB. You will have pay for additional storage (see Option 2). Support ends 13th October 2026.

 

Option 2: Pay Microsoft for their ESU Security Update

Pay £25 to Microsoft for one year subscription only. Once payment is processed you will see enrolment confirmation on the Windows Update page. This covers 10 computers.

Cons: No new feature updates and uncertainty on other application support. Support ends 13th October 2026.

Option 3: Pay 0PATCH for Security Updates

Slovenian company 0Patch offers users 5 years of critical security patches for Windows 10 until October 2030. The cost is £25.85 per year.

Cons: This subscription cost is only for one computer.

Option 4: Only use Windows 10 PC Offline

This option means you cannot connect your PC to the internet. This will stop malware and viruses reaching your PC from the web.

Cons: In practice, you are likely to find running your PC offline highly frustrating.

Options 5: Switch to ChromeOS Flex

Google ChromeOS Flex offers another way to extend the life of an old and slow PC. ChromeOS Flex is like a web browser with extras. Find out about ChromeOS Flex and how to install it here.

Cons: You're limited to web-based apps (rather than using installed programmes) and you cannot use android apps like on a Chromebook.

Option 6: Switch to Linux and Keep Your PC Running

If your system does not meet the Windows 11’s system requirement and you cannot afford to buy a new one, switching to the Linux operating system will extend the life without end-of-life support concerns. Linux has been around since the mid 90’s and is used as the base operating system for lots of devices (TVs, Android phones, cars, thermostats and more). Find out more about Linux here.

Cons: Does require some technical knowledge to set up, but once done it is a very effective solution (we can offer support at our Sustainable Merton Repair Cafe).

Option 7: Force Windows 10 to Upgrade

If you are sticking with Windows 10 because Microsoft won’t let you upgrade, there is an option to force an upgrade. The free tool Flyoobe (which can be found on github) bypasses the minimum requirements restriction to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, while retaining files and settings. Full instructions can be found here. Ensure you backup your PC first, just in case.

Cons: Data integrity cannot be guaranteed.

If you have been affected by the end of Windows 10 support and would like some guidance on how to install any of the options above to your laptop, register for our next Repair Cafe (22nd November at Canons House Mitcham), where Hitesh will be happy to offer a helping hand.