Advocates Urge Microsoft to Extend Windows 10 Support Before 2025 Deadline
URGENT UPDATE: As Microsoft gears up to end free security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, consumer advocates are rallying for immediate action. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) warns that without an extension, up to 400 million functional PCs could be rendered obsolete, leading to a staggering increase in electronic waste and cybersecurity threats.
The petition, which has already amassed over 20,000 signatures, calls on Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to reconsider the decision and provide ongoing free updates. With 53% of global PCs still relying on Windows 10, the stakes are sky-high. Advocates argue that this decision contradicts Microsoft’s sustainability pledges, potentially generating 1.6 billion pounds of e-waste and endangering millions of users’ cybersecurity.
The movement has gained traction as PIRG emphasizes the financial burden on lower-income households, arguing that discarding viable technology exacerbates the digital divide. Microsoft currently offers paid extended security updates starting at $30 per year for individuals, but critics label this as insufficient. An analysis from Windows Central suggests that PIRG’s call for free, automatic updates is a more viable solution for users who cannot afford upgrades.
In response to advocacy efforts, Microsoft has introduced a $1 extended support option for schools, showcasing some willingness to adapt. However, broader initiatives remain elusive. Consumer Reports has joined the conversation, sending a letter to Nadella condemning the paid model as “hypocritical” given Microsoft’s environmental commitments, as detailed on their advocacy site.
Without updates, Windows 10 users face significant cybersecurity risks. Industry experts warn that legacy systems in critical sectors like healthcare and transportation could be particularly vulnerable. The push to phase out Windows 10 raises questions about Microsoft’s priorities—whether it is more focused on profits than on promoting sustainability and user security.
Looking ahead, extending Windows 10 support could set a transformative precedent for the tech industry, encouraging longer product lifecycles. Advocates are urging Microsoft to lead by example in the fight against e-waste, as the deadline approaches.
This developing story highlights the ongoing tension between innovation, security, and environmental responsibility in technology. As advocacy groups ramp up their efforts, the tech giant’s response could have lasting implications on how companies balance user needs with corporate objectives—potentially averting a massive e-waste crisis.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves. Share this story to raise awareness about the urgent need for sustainable tech practices!
