Windows 10 End-of-Life: Why You Have to Toss Your Computers Out and Buy New

Think about the last time an unplanned IT problem disrupted your business operations.

Maybe it was a cyberattack, a server crash or a slow network that affected the daily workings of your business. How much precious time did you lose? How much frustration did it bring to you and your customers?

This is the cost of reactive IT: unplanned downtime, lost revenue and unnecessary frustration.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand how reactive IT affects your business. We’ll also explain the power of proactive IT and how it helps build a resilient, future-ready business.

Why You Can’t Just Keep Using Windows 10

The issue isn’t the hardware—it’s the software.

After the end-of-support date, Microsoft will stop issuing security patches, updates, and technical support for Windows 10. That means:

● No protection against newly discovered malware and ransomware
● No fixes for bugs or vulnerabilities
● No compliance support for industries with data security regulations

Continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends significantly increases the risk of data breaches, cyberattacks, and legal or contractual exposure for businesses. Even if your machine still works, the ecosystem around it becomes unsafe to rely on.

Why This Feels So Frustrating

Many Windows 10 devices are being labeled “incompatible” with Windows 11, not because they’re slow or broken, but because they lack a few hardware features Microsoft now requires.

These include:

● TPM 2.0 (a hardware-based security module)
● UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
● A compatible 64-bit CPU
● At least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage

These requirements leave a large percentage of otherwise usable PCs, especially those bought before 2019 which are unable to upgrade. It’s a tough pill to swallow for businesses trying to extend the life of their investments.

What Are Your Real Options?

If your devices can’t officially run Windows 11, here are the most realistic paths forward:

1. Use Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft is offering a paid ESU program for Windows 10, allowing organizations to receive critical patches for at least one additional year. This gives you time to budget and plan without rushing.

2. Install a Linux-Based Operating System

Lightweight, secure, and stable, Linux distributions like Zorin OS, Ubuntu, or Linux Mint work well on older PCs. While there is a learning curve, Linux offers strong support for web-based tasks, document editing, and basic office functions.

3. Use Windows Virtual Desktops

You can convert older machines into thin clients, connecting to cloud-based Windows 11 environments via services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop. This shifts the computing burden to the cloud and extends the life of legacy devices.

What the heck is a thin client? It’s when you transform existing computers (like older PCs or laptops) into specialized devices that primarily serve as a connection to a remote server. Instead of running applications locally, they rely on a server to handle the processing, storage, and application software, while the thin client itself only handles display, user input (keyboard/mouse), and basic networking.

4. Repurpose or Donate Devices

If a machine can’t run Windows 11 and doesn’t have a new role inside your organization, consider donating it to a nonprofit, library, or school. Many organizations will accept functioning machines for basic computing needs.

What About E-Waste?

The environmental concern is real. Analysts estimate up to 240 million PCs could be discarded globally due to Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements.⁵ That’s a massive increase in e-waste, much of which still has usable life left.

But that doesn’t mean you have to contribute to the pile.

Before tossing anything:

● Evaluate if it can be repurposed (media station, test machine, training kiosk, etc.)
● Donate to a local nonprofit or refurbisher
● Recycle responsibly through certified programs

Malden, MA: Local Recycling Resources

For businesses and residents in the Malden, Massachusetts area, here are a few options for safe, responsible electronics recycling:

Malden DPW Recycling Center

356 Commercial Street, Malden, MA 02148
Open Saturdays from 8:00 AM – Noon

● Accepts electronics for a small fee (cash or check)
● TVs, monitors, computers, and peripherals allowed
● More info: cityofmalden.org/recycling

Staples (Everett or Medford locations nearby)

● Free electronics recycling drop-off for most items
● Accepts computers, monitors, printers, and more
● More info: recycling.staples.com

Goodwill Donation Centers

● Accept working computers and accessories
● Partnered with Dell Reconnect for secure recycling
● Closest locations: Somerville, Medford, or Chelsea
● More info: goodwillmass.org

Make sure to wipe all drives before donating or recycling. Tools like DBAN or built-in reset utilities can help ensure data is removed.

As part of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, APEX will take your old machines and perform these tasks for you to not only secure your business, but continue to be good stewards of technology in our community.

What do I have to do?

You don’t have to rush. But you do need to plan.
● Start with a hardware audit
● Explore what can be upgraded, what can be reused, and what can be safely replaced
● Balance security, usability, and sustainability

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are smart ways forward. And none of them have to involve sending perfectly functional equipment straight to the landfill.

Sources

1. Microsoft Support Lifecycle: support.microsoft.com
2. Windows 11 Hardware Requirements: learn.microsoft.com
3. Microsoft ESU Info via TechNet: technet.microsoft.com
4. How-To Geek: Alternatives to Windows 11 – howtogeek.com
5. ZDNet, “How Many PCs Will Be Left Behind by Windows 11?” – zdnet.com