Microsoft’s announcement that Windows 10 end of life is well nigh (October 14, 2025) could potentially drive nearly 240 million PCs into landfills, according to analyst firm Canalys.  That’s about one-fifth of all computers on the market.  To give some perspective, if these were your standard, run-of-the-mill, basic everyday laptops, the pile itself would extend 372 miles past the moon.  Or to put it another way: it’s the equivalent to 320,000 cars or 1.06 billion pounds of e-waste.

Fortunately, there’s a silver lining.  While Canalys points out that incompatibility with the latest Windows version reduces opportunities for reuse and resale, lowering their overall value, nearly all of these 240 million computers can be recycled.  And should be.  Let’s take a look as to the reasons why you should, and how.  

 

What Windows 10 End of Life Really Means

Officially, Windows 10 end of life arrives, hooded figure and scythe in hand, on October 14, 2025.  After this date, Microsoft will stop releasing updates or patches, leaving millions of devices exposed to cyberattacks, data breaches and regulatory violations.

In response to concerns about the expiration date, Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which is an option that allows you to keep Windows 10 PCs protected a tad longer for those unable to transition immediately to Windows 11.

However, the program does little more than slap a bandaid on a severed head, as it only delivers security fixes, offers no technical support from Microsoft, zero upgrades, and no long-term relief.  And oh: this, too, is fleeting: available only until October 13, 2026.

 

Managing Windows 10 End of Life with ITAD 

So it begs the question: what should companies do to manage large numbers of outdated devices?  Well, to start, they should partner with a certified ITAD provider (ahem…yours truly, for example) that can retire company assets responsibly, sustainably, and efficiently.  With so many devices about to catch the almighty fade (left, right, left right, uppercut, done) the importance of ITAD as an essential service across every sector is pretty apparent.  

Some key things to look for before partnering with a certified recycler are the following:

 

Secure Data Destruction 

Without proper data destruction, companies risk security breaches, identity theft, lawsuits, sensitive company information coming into the wrong hands, etc.  The liabilities are endless.  ITAD providers wipe, shred, or degauss drives, however, to ensure permanent destruction of sensitive information, helping you avoid the very hellfires of these scenarios.

 

Sustainable Recycling

Disposing of electronics in landfills is both environmentally harmful and wasteful.  Electronics contain toxins such as cadmium and mercury, and ITAD providers can handle these in a responsible way while salvaging valuable materials.

 

Regulatory Compliance

Companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate responsible recycling practices.  ITAD services provide documentation and certifications that verify every step of the process and protect organizations against compliance risks and legal liabilities.

 

The Circular Economy Advantage

One of the most underappreciated aspects of Windows 10 end of life is the opportunity it creates to strengthen the circular economy.  Even though millions of devices may not be compatible with Windows 11, they still retain value in their component parts.  Pieces like RAM, monitors, power supplies, batteries, circuit boards — the list can go on and on.  With a certified recycler, those parts can be recovered and circulated back into the market, reading the need for newly mined materials.

This method is advantageous, stretching the usefulness of hardware and cutting down on e-waste.  By selecting certified ITAD providers, businesses can help complete the cycle between use and reuse and transform potential waste into renewed resources.

 

Data Security and Regulatory Obligations

 

The implications for data security following Windows 10 end of life are severe.  Once Microsoft discontinues support, the operating system becomes an open target for hackers.  Sticking with them means risking exposure of personal details, financial accounts, and valuable intellectual property.

To counter this threat, ITAD providers like eAsset Solutions implement rigorous and certified processes to permanently destroy data from all storage devices.  Certificates of destruction are issued as verifiable evidence, supporting both audit requirements and regulatory accountability.

 

Greener Choices for Windows 10 Transition

 

If handled poorly, the transition from Windows 10 could leave behind a mountain of waste.  We’re talking over a billion pounds.  Organizations have a responsibility to keep old devices out of the environment.

eAsset Solutions and similar ITAD providers hold R2v3 and RIOS certifications, reflecting a strict adherence to the highest international standards in recycling practices.  These auditing bodies ensure safe management of hazardous materials while channeling recoverable materials, including plastics and metals, into the global supply chain.

 

Plan Ahead with eAsset Solutions

With the Windows 10 deadline approaching, eAsset Solutions is prepared to guide organizations through the transition.  Backed by nearly 20 years of ITAD experience, we provide secure, sustainable and efficient solutions for refreshing outdated technology.

 

Onsite and Offsite Data Destruction

 

From data wiping to shredding to degaussing, all information is permanently destroyed.

 

Certified Recycling and Resale

Hardware is either responsibly recycled or reintroduced into the market, supporting the circular economy.

 

Compliance Assurance

Certificates of data destruction and recycling confirm compliance with regulatory requirements.

 

Custom Solutions

 

Services are designed around each organization’s unique requirements.

Don’t stress, plan ahead, and approach the Windows 10 transition not as a burden but as an opportunity to protect your information, reduce e-waste, and demonstrate corporate responsibility.

 

Final Thoughts

Marking one of the biggest IT changes of the decade, the way companies handle the end of Windows 10 will set the tone for years to come.  Ignoring the transition could mean compliance headaches, logistical nightmares, security breaches, and harmful e-waste.  But we have say-so in the matter, and agency in the path we choose.

By choosing ITAD recirculation as the primary path, businesses can do more than just protect data.  They breathe new life into Windows 10 devices, give them second and third chances in new hands, and prevent the loss of valuable resources.  Embarking upon this path creates a ripple effect that supports communities, strengthens environmental stewardship, and contributes to global sustainability.

Partner today with eAsset Solutions, and learn how we can better meet your needs and keep the planet safe and green.