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Windows Central
Windows Central
Technology
Kevin Okemwa

Refurbished Windows 10 PCs on the 'Back Market' combat Microsoft's programmed obsolescence with ChromeOS and Linux

Windows 10 operating system logo is displayed on a laptop screen for illustration photo.

In less than a month from now, Microsoft is expected to pull the plug on Windows 10, leading to its inevitable death. The end is nigh. The move has received a lot of backlash from users, including the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), which claims it could lead to the single biggest jump in junked computers ever.

While Microsoft seemingly extended support for the operating system through its Extended Support Updates (ESU) program by syncing your PC settings to the cloud via a Microsoft account, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or paying $30 for that ESU program, which now supports up to 10 devices, the group says it's not a "viable solution" for the 400 million PCs that can't upgrade to Windows 11.

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