Windows 10 EOL

E‑waste and Windows 11 hardware cutoff

• Many see the Windows 10 EOL plus Windows 11’s hardware requirements (TPM, CPU list, GPU features) as a major e‑waste driver, especially for organizations dumping tens of thousands of still‑usable PCs.
• Others argue individual phone/laptop waste is physically small, or note that many orgs already refresh hardware on 3–5 year cycles, so the impact is overstated.
• Some point out hypocrisy when people complain about e‑waste but themselves buy new Windows 11 machines instead of upgrading or switching OS.

Security and running an unsupported OS

• Strong view: an internet‑connected, unsupported OS is “not tenable”; companies often mandate active support because most attacks exploit known, patched bugs.
• Counterview: the box doesn’t “explode” at EOL; some users happily freeze on old builds and accept risk.
• Detailed discussion of infection vectors: browser exploits (including Spectre‑style), malicious images/video, media decoders, NAT slipstreaming, IPv6 misconfigurations, and kernel‑level packet bugs. Risk rises sharply once modern browsers drop support.
• For lightly used legacy apps, people suggest:
  • Disconnecting from the internet,
  • Or running Windows 10 in an isolated VM and avoiding web/file exposure.

LTSC / IoT and bypasses

• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is supported to 2032; some advocate using LTSC (often with unofficial activation tools) to extend lifespan.
• Caveats: LTSC omits components some software expects; licenses are pricey; and “normal” Windows 10 support still ends 2027.
• TPM/CPU checks for Windows 11 can be bypassed via command‑line flags or registry hacks, though this is unofficial and may break on future updates.

Apple vs Microsoft on obsolescence

• Several note Apple also drops OS support aggressively, especially for Intel Macs, and older Macs can become unusably slow or blocked from current software.
• Others counter that iPhones get longer support, and some Mac laptops still receive security updates for a decade‑old generation.
• Overall sentiment: both vendors contribute to e‑waste, but Microsoft’s impact is larger due to Windows’ market share.

Telemetry, ads, and “enshittification”

• Strong resentment of Windows 10/11 telemetry, built‑in advertising, and things like Copilot silently appearing.
• Some commenters link aggressive security posturing (TPM, cert lifetimes) to broader trends of surveillance and adtech, arguing real‑world malware more often comes via ad channels than via exotic CPU attacks.

Linux as an escape route

• Many recommend Linux for repurposing “unsupported” PCs, especially for home use, labs, and refurb markets; cheap ex‑corporate desktops/laptops are praised as excellent Linux boxes.
• Others highlight real barriers: specific Windows‑only apps (e.g., WinForms development, niche accounting software), corporate environments, and gaming.
• Desktop fragmentation is debated: some think Linux needs a more unified DE story to win “Windows 10 refugees”; others see choice and forking as inherent and desirable. KDE and Pop!_OS are mentioned as viable “refugee” options; Steam + Proton (and distros like Bazzite) make gaming workable for many titles.

Living with Windows 11

• Several users describe “taming” Windows 11 via registry edits and third‑party tools (ExplorerPatcher, OpenShell, start‑menu tweaks) to restore older behaviors and remove web/search cruft.
• Complaints persist about items Microsoft simply won’t allow (e.g., full tray icon control, web‑free Start), plus background “efficiency mode” throttling and forced updates.

Philosophical / misc. points

• Some lament that Turing‑complete machines are being artificially “gated” by vendor policies, contrary to early computing ideals.
• Others respond that no one is obliged to maintain software for old hardware; users are free to install alternate OSes (Linux, BSD, ChromeOS Flex, etc.).
• A few see the Windows 10 EOL as an opportunity: cheap second‑hand hardware for enthusiasts, and a moment for Linux desktops to make a stronger pitch.