The End of Windows 10 Support: What It Means for You (and the E-Waste Crisis)
By Kelsus-IT, UK Specialists in IT Equipment, Gaming PCs & Refurbished Tech
www.kelsusit.com
On 14 October 2025, Microsoft officially ended free support for Windows 10 — the world’s most popular desktop operating system. Ironically, this date also marked International E-Waste Day, highlighting one of the biggest challenges facing our industry: what happens when millions of perfectly good computers suddenly become “obsolete” overnight?
According to industry data, over 400 million computers running Windows 10 can’t upgrade to Windows 11 due to new hardware requirements. That’s hundreds of millions of devices that could soon end up in landfill — despite being powerful enough for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and office work.
The Problem: Planned Obsolescence on a Massive Scale
At Kelsus-IT, we’ve seen firsthand how short product lifecycles and forced upgrades lead to unnecessary electronic waste. This isn’t about performance — many Windows 10 PCs still run beautifully. It’s about software-driven obsolescence.
Microsoft’s hardware requirements for Windows 11 exclude many older (but capable) CPUs and motherboards, pushing users toward buying new machines instead of keeping existing ones running. The result? Perfectly good tech being scrapped too soon.
If even a fraction of these systems are discarded, experts estimate up to 700 million kilograms of e-waste could be generated — a staggering figure when you consider the UK is already one of the highest e-waste producers per capita in the world.
What This Means for UK Users
Here in the UK, it’s estimated that over 20 million people are still using a Windows 10 device. Many don’t have a plan for what comes next. Without updates, these machines will gradually become vulnerable to cyber threats — but that doesn’t mean they should be thrown away.
At Kelsus-IT, we believe in giving technology a second life. We work with refurbished laptops, PCs, and monitors every day, ensuring high-quality, reliable hardware remains in circulation rather than going to waste.
If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you still have options:
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Install an alternative OS like Linux or ChromeOS Flex
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Purchase extended Windows 10 support (limited availability)
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Trade in or refurbish your device with trusted resellers
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Upgrade components (RAM, SSD, etc.) to extend lifespan
Our team regularly helps customers find sustainable upgrade paths that don’t break the bank — or the planet.
The Bigger Picture: The Need for Software Longevity
There’s a growing movement across the UK and Europe for Right to Repair and anti-obsolescence legislation. The goal is simple: hold manufacturers accountable for offering long-term support and repair options.
In the EU, new Ecodesign rules are pushing for longer software support periods and repairability standards. Here in the UK, regulations introduced in 2024 require manufacturers to disclose how long they’ll support a connected product — a small step forward, but not enough.
At Kelsus-IT, we fully support the push for stronger right-to-repair laws. Consumers deserve transparency and longevity, not forced upgrades every few years.
How Kelsus-IT Is Doing Its Part
We’re not just selling tech — we’re part of the circular IT economy.
Our focus on refurbished laptops, PCs, and monitors helps reduce e-waste, provide affordable technology to more people, and keep great hardware out of landfill.
We also supply high-quality, energy-efficient new hardware — like the iiyama G-MASTER GB3467WQSU-B1 34" Curved Ultrawide Gaming Monitor — designed to last for years of gaming, creative work, or productivity.
By choosing reliable, long-lasting technology and refurb options, you’re helping to reduce the environmental impact of the IT industry.
Final Thoughts
The end of Windows 10 support is a wake-up call — not just for users, but for the entire tech ecosystem.
It’s time to rethink how we use, support, and upgrade our devices.
At Kelsus-IT, we’re committed to helping customers make smarter, more sustainable technology choices — whether that’s extending the life of your current system or upgrading to efficient, future-ready hardware.
? Shop smarter. Refurbish. Reuse. Upgrade sustainably.
Visit www.kelsusit.com to explore our range of refurbished systems, gaming PCs, and high-performance monitors.