Campaigners Rally Against Software Obsolescence on International E-Waste Day
As International E-Waste Day takes center stage, critics and reform advocates warn that hundreds of millions of computers could be headed for premature retirement. The catalyst? Microsoft’s decision to end automatic, free support for Windows 10, a move they say accelerates a global wave of electronic waste and undermines long‑standing efforts to keep devices in productive use longer.
The Brussels protests bring together a diverse coalition of environmental groups, consumer advocates, and tech reformers who argue that software life cycles should match or exceed hardware lifespans. They contend that millions of devices— from medical equipment to smart home gadgets—face obsolescence not for lack of hardware, but because their software will no longer receive updates.
The Windows 10 Challenge and the E-Waste Tsunami
Microsoft’s guidance after the end of free Windows 10 support is to upgrade to Windows 11 or, if hardware is insufficient, to responsibly recycle the old machine. Campaigners estimate that around 400 million PCs globally may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11, potentially triggering roughly 700 million kilograms of e-waste. Critics argue this is a preventable consequence of short software lifecycles that do not align with the durability of the hardware they run on.
Supporters say the problem extends beyond a single operating system. As noted by environmental groups and research bodies, a broad array of devices— including medical instruments, wearables, thermostats, and gaming consoles— could be retired alongside dwindling software support, regardless of their physical condition.
EU Action and the Call for 15-Year Software Guarantees
In Europe, the Right to Repair coalition is pressing for policy changes that would align software updates with longer device lifespans. The group has urged EU leaders to introduce ecodesign requirements that guarantee at least 15 years of software updates for laptops, a move aimed at curbing needless discard and reducing environmental harm.
“Software obsolescence undermines circularity strategies while driving environmental harm and unnecessary costs for consumers,” the coalition’s statement reads. The appeal is not only about extending updates; it’s about preserving the usefulness of devices in a world where collection, refurbishment, and re-use are central to sustainability goals.
Industry Voices: The Tension Between Innovation and Longevity
Experts emphasize a core principle of the circular economy: keep products in use for longer. Keeping devices functional reduces the need for new manufacture, cuts waste, and lowers emissions. Yet, major tech players like Microsoft have to balance innovation with longevity. Critics argue that aggressive upgrade cycles can lead to avoidable waste when older devices can still perform essential tasks with updated software or alternative operating systems.
Industry advocates point to sustainable practices already in motion. Some companies and nonprofits demonstrate that long-term software support is feasible and beneficial—proof that a slower, more thoughtful approach to software lifecycles can coexist with progress.
<h2 What Happens Next: Repair, Reuse, and Regulatory Action
Campaigners are not waiting for a regulatory utopia. In parallel to EU lobbying, groups in the United States are coordinating events and outreach to rescue devices from the discard pile. They highlight practical steps such as installing Linux-based or lighter operating systems on older hardware, refurbishing machines for schools and communities, and sharing repair knowledge through public campaigns.
Back Market and other refurbishers are providing guidance and services to extend the usable life of devices. Their campaigns echo a practical maxim: every extra year of software-supported use is a year of avoided e-waste and saved resources.
<h2 The Bottom Line: A More Sustainable Software Narrative
International E-Waste Day shines a spotlight on software obsolescence as a critical piece of the environmental puzzle. If policies can guarantee longer software support while encouraging responsible refurbishment and reuse, the world could see less waste, lower emissions, and more affordable access to technology for people around the globe.
