Pressure is rising on Microsoft to increase assist for Windows 10, which remains to be essentially the most broadly used model of the working system. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) is demanding that the Redmond software program firm proceed to offer safety updates for Windows 10 past October 2025. PIRG has now launched the web petition Tell Microsoft: Don’t leave millions of computers behind if you wish to add your voice to the hassle.

The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) is an affiliation of US and Canadian non-profit organizations that, amongst different issues, work for shopper safety. The PIRG now factors out that with the top of assist for Windows 10 in 2025, hundreds of thousands of Windows computer systems will successfully grow to be digital waste. Their house owners must exchange the computer systems with costly new purchases. Windows 11 can’t be put in on many aged Windows 10 computer systems on account of its steep {hardware} necessities, although the PCs really nonetheless run completely.

Many house owners of Windows 10 PCs wouldn’t be capable to afford the acquisition of a brand new laptop, inflicting a widespread safety threat. In addition, a number of million previous PCs, which then grow to be digital waste, would place an extreme burden on the setting. The group factors to statistics that recommend that a big proportion of those unsupported Windows 10 computer systems might find yourself in landfills.

According to PIRG, Microsoft’s determination to finish assist for working Windows 10 PCs would take extra computer systems out of circulation than ever earlier than.

Microsoft should rethink this determination and proceed to offer safety updates to the hundreds of thousands of people that can not improve their computer systems – each for the sake of their funds and the setting.

Lucas Rockett Gutterman, Director of PIRG’s Designed to Last marketing campaign, quoted by Betanews

PIRC launched its on-line petition, addressed on to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, to attempt to get the corporate to vary its thoughts. The textual content reads:

Dear Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella,

Don’t junk hundreds of thousands of computer systems. Microsoft’s determination to finish assist for Windows 10 might trigger the one largest soar in junked computer systems ever, and make it unattainable for Microsoft to hit their sustainability objectives. The new model of their working system’s stringent {hardware} necessities might lead to 40% of PCs in use being left behind.

Microsoft’s determination to cease supporting hundreds of thousands of practical computer systems in our hospitals, companies, and houses is a uncooked deal for patrons who anticipate their costly units to final.

All software program reaches a degree at which it’s now not supported, however when the implications to our surroundings are this huge we shouldn’t settle for it.

What occurs on October 14 2025?

On Patch Tuesday in October 2025, Microsoft will present safety updates for Windows 10 for the final time. After that, it’s over. Microsoft will now not repair any new safety vulnerabilities found in Windows 10. In different phrases, you need to now not use Windows 10 after then, similar to you shouldn’t use Windows 7 now.

But in contrast to Windows 7, Microsoft will not be planning on offering paid-for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10. ESUs are solely accessible for firms and organizations, not for personal people.

This article was translated from German to English and initially appeared on pcwelt.de.