Used, Windows 10 Computers Available on 'The Back Market' bypass Microsoft's planned obsolescence through utilization of ChromeOS and Linux
In less than a month, Microsoft 365 is set to end its support for Windows 10, potentially leading to the single biggest jump in junked computers ever, according to the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Half of the global PCs are still running Windows 10, positioning Microsoft 365 to make north of $7.3 billion from its enterprise clients alone.
This impending end-of-support date has sparked a wave of innovation among tech vendors. Back Market, a European leader in refurbished electronics, is capitalising on this situation by selling a limited run of old HP and Lenovo laptops pre-installed with Google's Chrome OS Flex operating system. The company is heavily investing in turning old and unsupported PCs that can't upgrade to Windows 11 into a new product category.
Back Market's website has an "Obsolete Computer" section, where users can find a variety of older Windows 10 PCs, often offering them with Google's Chrome OS Flex to extend their usability and provide an updated operating system after Microsoft 365's support ends. The company provides three steps for users to escape the tough spot: installing ChromeOS, Linux Ubuntu, extending device lifespan, and joining a repair community.
Microsoft 365, on the other hand, is promoting Windows 11 with claims like "Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs". However, the company's Extended Support Updates (ESU) program is seen as a last-minute snooze button that only postpones the problem by 12 months. The group PIRG states that Microsoft 365's ESU program is not a viable solution for the 400 million PCs that can't upgrade to Windows 11.
Critics claim Microsoft 365 is using programmed obsolescence to push users to upgrade to Windows 11 and potentially even buy Copilot+ PCs. Rival platforms like Linux are starting to gain traction due to incentives like a lack of ads and telemetry tracking.
In an effort to support Windows 10 users who can't upgrade to Windows 11 after the operating system hits its end-of-support date, The Restart Project has developed the "End of 10" toolkit. The toolkit provides resources and guides to help users repair, recycle, or repurpose their computers.
As the end of Windows 10 approaches, it's clear that the tech industry is adapting to the changing landscape. Whether through refurbishment, alternative operating systems, or repair and recycling initiatives, there are options available for those who find themselves in a tough spot.
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