With Microsoft set to cease free security updates for Windows 10 in October, a considerable challenge arises for charities that refurbish and distribute older computers. Approximately 240 million PCs won’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, leading these organizations to face a tough decision: offer potentially insecure Windows 10 systems, send them to e-waste recycling, or consider alternative operating systems like Linux.
The hardware requirements for Windows 11 specify a 1GHz or faster CPU with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, in addition to Secure Boot capability and TPM 2.0 compatibility. Unfortunately, the supported Intel CPU range only includes chips from the 8th generation onwards, which were introduced in 2017, while the AMD list starts from the Ryzen 2000 series and above. As a result, many modern and capable systems are not eligible for an upgrade despite having sufficient RAM and storage.
Experts express concern over continuing with Windows 10. Chester Wisniewski, a director at Sophos, indicated that continuing to use Windows 10 poses security risks because vulnerabilities may be shared across both operating systems. Recent vulnerabilities were highlighted that had been exploited by criminals prior to their patches being released.
Additionally, charities using Windows 10 face compliance risks related to regulations such as GDPR once official support ends. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines and could harm the charity’s reputation and financial standing.
The e-waste issue exacerbates the situation, as only 14 to 40 percent of electronic waste in the U.S. is recycled. This could mean about 1.06 billion pounds of e-waste—equivalent to the weight of 320,000 cars—might end up in landfills, introducing hazardous substances into the environment. According to the UN, e-waste incurs roughly $37 billion in annual economic costs, expected to rise to $40 billion by 2030 without enhanced recycling policies.
Despite the end of support looming, many users are expected to continue using Windows 10, which currently holds 58.7 percent of all Windows installations. The chances of all these systems being upgraded by the deadline are slim, and few may choose Microsoft’s Extended Security Update program.
In light of these challenges, organizations like PCs for People are shifting their approach. They have stopped distributing Windows 10 and are now focusing on Linux Mint for older devices. This change comes from an evolving perspective on Linux, which has seen greater acceptance as many users begin to view their devices primarily as conduits to the internet.
However, despite its growing popularity, Linux still lacks some mainstream applications, like Microsoft Office and Slack, although alternatives exist. As charities grapple with the complexities of obsolete systems, they must weigh the need for secure computing against the environmental ramifications of disposal. It’s clear that many users will continue using Windows 10 beyond its supported lifecycle, leaving them exposed to ongoing cybersecurity threats.
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