Windows 11 Update Issues Spark Debate on Planned Obsolescence, Reaching US Consumers
Madrid, Spain – A frustrated Spanish Windows 11 user’s experience with failed operating system updates is fueling a growing international discussion about planned obsolescence and the right to repair, even drawing attention in the United States. The user, quoted in a report by AS.com, expressed feeling compelled to purchase a new computer solely for security reasons after being unable to install a simple update. “To run Windows 11… I feel encouraged to buy a completely new computer for security reasons because mine cannot even execute a simple operating system update,” they wrote.
The incident highlights a common criticism of “programmed or planned obsolescence,” a business practice designed to shorten a product’s lifespan through limited repair options, software incompatibility, or the creation of a perception of outdatedness, ultimately pushing consumers toward new purchases.
The financial impact of this practice is significant.According to data from the Spanish Renewable Energies company, programmed obsolescence can cost a consumer up to $50,000 over a lifetime. beyond personal finances, the environmental consequences are substantial. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2022,over 68 million tons of electronic waste were generated globally,with only 22% properly recycled. This e-waste contains hazardous materials like lead and heavy metals, posing risks to soil and water if improperly managed.
The case has resonated across the Atlantic, where the debate surrounding tech product durability and repair rights is gaining momentum. The situation underscores a growing tension for consumers: the conflict between functional devices and company update policies that render them technologically obsolete. For many, Microsoft’s “cycle closure” translates into a challenging choice between data security and the financial and environmental costs of replacing a still-working device.
