After October 1 this year, Microsoft will not provide any other software updating, security amendment or technical assistance for the Windows-1 operating system. Meanwhile, Windows 7 requires advanced hardware for upgrades. As a result, 20 million computers of the old model may be thrown into the pod as electronic waste, which can create a risk for the environment. Many users are reviewing the subject of using alternative methods instead of buying a new computer.
Stopping Windows-1 can have some negative impact on the environment and user. The matter is explained based on data and analysis-
Background and hardware requirements
Windows 7 was unveiled by the end of 2021. However, it requires significantly high quality systems compared to Windows 7 to operate on the device. Especially the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.5 chip, 1 GHz dual-core processor (usually the 5th generation Intel or AMD Rhigen 20 series), 1GB RAM and 1GB storage. Many old PCs do not have these hardware facilities. Especially the TPM 2.0 chip is not on these PCs. This chip has not been widely included in the systems of the 21st. As a result, the hardware of millions of devices cannot be upgraded to Windows 7, which is often unrealistic or expensive. But except for these hardware, the PC of many old models is still effective.
Potential e-waste
In December 2021, the Canalis Research assumed that when the support of Windows-1 (EOL) and Hardware with Windows-1, about 20 million PCs would be unstable. This number was then equal to 20 percent of the computer installed by Windows 7 worldwide. If these PCs are discarded, electronic waste (e -waste) can be produced for approximately 1 million kilograms (1 lakh 3 thousand metric tons), which is equivalent to the weight of about 1 lakh 20 thousand vehicles. In addition, these devices are in good condition, but the support of Windows-1 will not get the necessary security updates. As a result, the price and demand of these PCs will be reduced.
However, the other estimates are slightly different. For example, in 2022, the PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) suggested that the 1 billion Windows 7 devices used would not get updates on Windows-1. So the potential e-waste problem will increase significantly. Because, according to the World Health Organization, global e-waste production in 2022 was already 12 million tonnes, of which less than one-fourth of which was properly recycled.
Due to the fact that a large number of PCs will go into the bar
Security Update: After October 2021, Windows 7 will not get free safety patches, which will make the unsupported PCs risk for cyber attacks. Meanwhile, Microsoft will facilitate the extended security update (ESU) till October 2021 in exchange for a fee (like the past programs, such as $ 25-5 per year for Windows-1). This option will probably be more attractive to business organizations than private customers. Buying Windows-1-backed devices can be more affordable than the risk of paying this fee or a safety violation.
Recruitment Prices: Although many of these 20 million PCs are effective, they will not be able to run supported operating systems. So the chances of reinstating or rearrangement are reduced. Business and customers usually prefer devices that are available on active support. Thus, the demand for the old PCs is reduced and they become less popular in the second-hand market.
Challenge for recycling: Although recycling is an alternative, the rate of recycling e-waste (electronic waste) is very low. According to various reports, only 8-20 percent of e-waste is properly recycled around the world. Statista said in the 21st, the world's total e-waste production was 1 million metric tons and it would reach 5.7 million tonnes by 20 years. After 2021, many old PCs can overwhelm the recycling infrastructure. Especially if users throw them with ordinary garbage, then batteries and other harmful ingredients can damage the environment.
Environmental impact
Dutting the PC in the barrier creates a serious risk for the environment. The computer contains dangerous substances like lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated. If they are not properly manage, they can be mixed with soil and groundwater. These ingredients can be burned even if the toxins can spread to the environment. According to Canalis, if 1 million kilograms of e-waste is dumped in the bar, it will increase the problem in the environment. According to the United Nations Environment Program, e-waste is growing worldwide and is five times faster than its recycling capacity.
It is not guaranteed that all 20 million PCs will go into the bar. Some users may-
You can start using alternative operating systems: Linux distributions like Linux Mint or Ubuntu can be used through the old hardware. These are a protected and free alternative to Windows.
Recycling with responsibility: Programs such as Australia's National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme or local e-waste drive in the United States can use computer materials for electrical vehicles or renewable energy technologies (such as hard drives to rare earth metal, battery to lithium).
Windows 7 can continue to use: Some individuals can continue to use the unsupported system by accepting the risk of security. However, it is less effective for businesses. These options depend on user awareness, access to wealth and the desire to adapt.
The role and criticism of Microsoft
Although Microsoft sets the goal of being carbon-neutral by 20, Windows 7 will fail to meet this goal by launching. For this, Microsoft has been widely criticized. Critics said that if Microsoft increased Windows 7 or improved hardware requirements for Windows 7 updates, it would have been possible to reduce e-waste. However, Microsoft has adopted this strategy for selling new hardware. Although PC manufacturers benefit, the pressure on the environment may increase.
When Windows 7's support ends in October 2021, about 20 million PCs will not be usable, which is equal to about 1.5 million metric tons of e-waste. Although the old PC recycling or alternative operating system can be used. However, many PCs may be thrown into the bar due to the low benefits of recycling, security risks and upgrading costs. This can further enhance the global e-waste crisis. How to deal with this situation in the future will depend on users' behavior, recycling facilities and Microsoft's decision. It will become a major challenge of technology and environment.
