European E-Waste Campaigns Call for Longer Software Support from the EU

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European e-waste advocates are urging EU policymakers to require tech companies to provide at least 15 years of software updates for their devices, highlighting Microsoft's upcoming decision to cease support for Windows 10 as a prime example of avoidable electronic waste.

PIRG and Right to Repair Europe Push for Change

The Right to Repair Europe coalition has petitioned Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Circular Economy, to implement regulations that prevent software obsolescence. They emphasize that consumers and businesses should not be forced to discard otherwise functional devices due to lack of ongoing software support.

"Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 could make 400 million computers obsolete — not because they're broken, but because of software," said Cristina Ganapini, coordinator of Right to Repair Europe.

The Danger of Software-Driven Obsolescence

With Windows 10 support ending on October 14, users face several options: pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU), upgrade to Windows 11 (if hardware permits), switch to a third-party operating system, or risk running unpatched software. Unfortunately, an estimated 400 million PCs won't be able to upgrade due to hardware restrictions, including the need for TPM 2.0 chips and newer processors.

Campaigners warn that if even a portion of these machines are discarded prematurely, it could generate over 700 million kilograms of e-waste—comparable to about 70 Eiffel Towers—accelerating environmental harm and forcing consumers to replace still-functional devices.

Broader Impacts and the Need for Regulation

This situation echoes concerns about other devices, such as Apple’s iPhones, where recent iOS updates threaten to obsolete millions of devices, leading to significant e-waste.

Microsoft defends its support timeline, noting users had nearly a decade to transition away from Windows 10, and promotes its ESU program as a solution for large organizations. However, critics argue that the cost of these extended support schemes mainly benefits large corporations and is inaccessible for many households and small businesses.

Global Efforts and EU Policy Proposals

In response, repair advocates have launched an open letter, urging Microsoft to extend free support for Windows 10 beyond October. The coalition also calls for EU-wide rules that tie device longevity to software support, mandating at least 15 years of updates—a measure seen as essential to curbing the continuous cycle of planned obsolescence.

The EU has drafted ecodesign regulations for smartphones and tablets, proposing five years of security updates and spare parts availability. Nonetheless, campaigners believe that stronger, more comprehensive policies are needed for laptops and other long-lasting electronics to prevent environmentally damaging landfill dumping.

Company Responses and Industry Trends

While Microsoft remains focused on quarterly dividends and shareholder returns, environmental groups continue to press for regulatory change. They warn that without stronger legislative action, still-functional devices will increasingly end up as e-waste, adding to the global environmental burden.