PIRG launched a campaign calling on Microsoft to extend support for Windows 10 to prevent this “cause further increase in the number of junk computers never seen”.

PIRG is a federation American public interest groups. A major organization, independently funded and operated, with members across the country and lobbying Congress. It typically engages in user advocacy on public interest issues related to health, safety, the environment, and the general welfare of citizens.

As surprising as it may be, they considered that Windows 10 support is relevant from a “right to repair” point of view to prevent the increase of e-waste. The request is direct, “Tell Microsoft: Don’t leave millions of computers behind.

“Dear CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella.

Don’t throw away millions of computers. Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 could cause the largest increase in the number of retired PCs to date and prevent Microsoft from meeting its sustainability goals. New version [Windows 11] with strict hardware requirements could leave 40% of computers in use behind.

Microsoft’s decision to stop supporting the millions of working PCs in our hospitals, businesses and homes is a shock to customers who expect their expensive devices to last. “All software reaches a point where it is no longer compatible, but when the consequences for our environment are so great, we shouldn’t accept that.”

Let’s see Microsoft’s response… But clearly we have a problem, users and Microsoft. Windows 10 is on track to become “the next Windows 7” after the Vista disaster left tens of millions of PCs not migrating the operating systems. The current situation is similar. Two years after the launch of Windows 11, its market share has yet to recover, and when support for Windows 10 ends, tens of millions of computers will be left without security updates, obsolescence through software, and a very serious e-waste problem will increase.

Despite the promotion of a free upgrade, the fact that all new computers come with Windows 11 pre-installed, or that Microsoft no longer sells Windows 10 licenses, the quota will not increase under the necessary conditions to leave Windows 10. Chaotic management hardware requirements (artificially inflated); update failure; unfulfilled feature promises; to improve performance, and ultimately because Windows 11 does not go beyond “tuned Windows 10”, they are responsible for the situation that a group like PIRG considered addressing with this campaign.

Microsoft’s official systems support calendar contemplates the end of life of Windows 10 in October 2025.