Microsoft's additional year of free Windows 10 security updates acts like a late reprieve - a delay rather than a proactive move, while organizations such as "The Restart Project" continue to advocate for users' digital safety and sustainability
In an effort to mitigate the impact of Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10, various community and commercial initiatives are being implemented. These initiatives aim to extend the usability of Windows 10 devices through repair, open-source operating system alternatives like Linux, and promoting sustainable IT lifecycles.
The Restart Project, a group focused on helping people repair electronics, has co-developed an 'End of Windows 10' toolkit for community repair groups. This toolkit offers practical advice on adapting repair events, running new kinds of events, and working with others, as well as information about the options available for people with Windows 10 machines.
Community repair and transition workshops are being organised by various groups to help users extend the life of their current Windows 10 devices. These initiatives offer practical support like repairs and guidance to avoid unnecessary device replacement, thereby promoting sustainability.
Many communities advocate transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux-based operating systems as a sustainable alternative. Community repair groups are running workshops to assist users in migrating to Linux, offering a free and updated platform that supports continued device usability beyond Windows 10’s end-of-life.
Some businesses offer refurbished Windows 10 devices with extended warranties and financing options, promoting the reuse and longevity of existing hardware. These programs provide a cost-effective alternative to buying new equipment while supporting longer lifespans for Windows 10-capable machines.
Beyond repair and OS transition, there is wider advocacy encouraging manufacturers and Microsoft itself to consider longer product support cycles. This movement aligns with reducing electronic waste and environmental impact by making devices and software sustain longer in active use.
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in approximately three months, on October 14, 2025. Users can either redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points or pay $30 for extended security updates (ESU) to continue using Windows 10 beyond its end of life. However, Microsoft will only continue pushing security updates to Windows 10 beyond the October cutoff date, but users will need to sync their PC settings data with a Microsoft Account.
The Restart Project claims that Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 accelerates premature disposal and undermines efforts to extend product lifespans. A Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) petitioned against Microsoft's decision, claiming it would contribute to a significant increase in junked computers.
A group called 'End of 10' is advocating for users to ditch Windows 10 for Linux as the operating system's end-of-support date edges closer. The unsupported hardware will no longer meet software compatibility or cybersecurity thresholds, potentially leading to an enormous increase in electronic waste.
Microsoft's solutions are not seen as going far enough, with PIRG reiterating that Microsoft's solutions are unlikely to address the issue of up to 400 million Windows 10 PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11. The Restart Project is advocating for clear targets and serious funding to scale up the reuse and repair of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). They are also advocating for taxing short-lived, disposable products more and rewarding products that last.
As Windows 11 has already surpassed Windows 10's market share, with Windows 11 dominating the Windows market with 50.88% compared to Windows 10's 46.2%, these initiatives collectively aim to provide a viable alternative for those who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 or wish to continue using Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support. The Restart Project has published a blog post urging to prevent Microsoft from creating millions of tonnes of e-waste in October.
- The End of Windows 10 toolkit, co-developed by The Restart Project, provides practical advice for community repair groups on adapting repair events and transitioning to open-source operating systems like Linux.
- Community repair and transition workshops, organized by various groups, offer practical support to help users extend the life of their Windows 10 devices through repairs and guidance.
- Some businesses offer refurbished Windows 10 devices with extended warranties and financing options, promoting the reuse and longevity of existing hardware.
- Transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux-based operating systems is being advocated as a sustainable alternative by many communities, with workshops being run to assist users in migrating to Linux.
- Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025 has been met with criticism, with some claiming it will accelerate premature disposal and increase electronic waste.
- The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has petitioned against Microsoft's decision, stating it would contribute to a significant increase in junked computers.
- As Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10's market share, these initiatives, including repair workshops, Linux migration assistance, and refurbished device programs, aim to provide a viable alternative for those who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 or wish to continue using Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support.
