On October 10, 2023, official support for Windows 10 will end, raising alarms about the security of millions of devices that will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Since its launch in 2021, Microsoft has restricted the upgrade of its latest operating system to devices that meet strict hardware requirements, specifically the need for a TPM 2.0 chip and compatible processors. This decision, presented as an effort to improve security, has resulted in around 400 million devices being left out of this transition.
Many computers will not be able to make the transition and that is a problem
The Trusted Platform Module’s main function is to protect sensitive data and ensure that only trusted software is executed, but its implementation has generated a compatibility crisis. Older equipment, including those with processors prior to Intel’s eighth-generation Core or first-generation AMD Ryzen, will be especially affected. By the end of this month, those who fail to perform the update will be left without security update coverage, making them potential targets for cyberattacks.
The situation is critical not only for individual users but also for educational institutions, small businesses, and governments that rely on updated and secure technology. Microsoft’s reluctance to offer flexible solutions poses a dilemma: forcing the replacement of fully functional hardware instead of finding alternative paths that promote sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste.
On the other hand, this measure could further widen the digital divide, especially in developing countries where many people and schools rely on equipment that will not meet the new requirements. It seems that Microsoft’s initiative, which was supposed to strengthen the global security of the Windows ecosystem, could result in an increase in vulnerable devices and in the grievance for entire sectors of the population. Although some suggest that Microsoft could consider more inclusive options, no alternative strategy has been announced so far.
