The Fight Against Planned Obsolescence: Can We Reverse the Trend? (Summary)
This article discusses the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 in July 2025, a decision that will effectively force approximately 400 million computers to become obsolete, even if still functional. This contributes to a massive 700 million kilos of electronic waste, highlighting the detrimental practice of planned obsolescence within the tech industry.
Key Points:
* Windows 10 End-of-Life: Microsoft’s decision to stop security updates for Windows 10 impacts a significant portion of its user base (43% of 1.4 billion devices).
* Environmental Impact: The forced upgrade cycle generates substantial electronic waste, consuming valuable resources (energy, water, minerals) in the process.
* Financial Burden: Consumers are pressured to replace working devices, incurring needless costs.
* Alternatives Exist: Users are exploring options like Linux as a “free” alternative operating system.
* Repair & Support Networks: Groups like The Restart Project and the newly formed “endof10” network are empowering users to repair and maintain their devices, resisting planned obsolescence.
* Limited Regulatory Response: Pressure from organizations like Right to repair is pushing for greater regulation of software update durations, but progress is slow.
* Microsoft’s Concession: A limited extension of security updates (12 months) is offered to users in the European Economic Area, but it’s seen as insufficient to reverse the overall trend.
The core question the article poses is whether the path of planned obsolescence can be reversed. While acknowledging the challenges, it highlights the growing movement towards repair, alternative software, and increased regulation as potential avenues for change. The article suggests that systemic change is needed to move away from a “disposable” tech culture and towards a more sustainable and user-friendly approach.
