What happens to donated PCs when they can't run Windows 11?

 E-Waste or Linux? Charities Face Tough Choices as Windows 10 Support Ends

With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, nonprofits and charities that rely on donated PCs face a critical dilemma: upgrade, switch to Linux, or contribute to the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste). Many older computers, still functional and valuable, do not meet the stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11, leaving charities in a tough spot.

The Upgrade Dilemma

Windows 11 has strict system requirements, including TPM 2.0 and newer processors, which many donated computers lack. Charities that rely on these devices to run their operations, provide digital literacy training, or support low-income communities must decide whether to invest in costly upgrades, attempt unsupported installations, or explore alternative operating systems.

For many nonprofits, purchasing new computers is financially unfeasible. Even upgrading individual components, such as storage and RAM, may not be enough to make older PCs Windows 11-compatible. This leads to a growing concern: what happens to all the machines that cannot make the jump?

The Growing E-Waste Crisis

Globally, electronic waste is a mounting environmental concern. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor, over 53 million metric tons of e-waste were generated in 2019, with projections showing an annual increase. If nonprofits and charities discard older machines en masse, the environmental consequences could be severe.

Recycling programs do exist, but not all electronic waste is properly processed. Many old PCs end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and resource depletion. For organizations committed to sustainability, simply discarding old machines is not an ideal option.

Linux: A Viable Alternative?

For organizations willing to explore alternatives, Linux-based operating systems present a compelling solution. Many Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS, are designed to run efficiently on older hardware while providing a secure and user-friendly experience.

Advantages of Linux for Charities:

• Lightweight and Efficient: Many distributions are optimized for low-resource systems.

• Security and Stability: Linux is less vulnerable to malware and does not require frequent costly updates.

• Free and Open Source: Unlike Windows, Linux does not have licensing fees, reducing operational costs.

• Customization and Support: Many Linux communities offer free support, documentation, and training resources.

Despite these benefits, Linux adoption faces challenges. Many charity workers and beneficiaries are accustomed to Windows-based software. Additionally, some essential applications may not have direct Linux equivalents, requiring adaptation or the use of emulators like Wine.

The Role of Tech Advocacy and Support

To make Linux a viable choice, charities need support from tech companies, government initiatives, and open-source communities. Providing training, software alternatives, and incentives for Linux adoption could ease the transition and prevent widespread hardware obsolescence.

Some organizations, like FreeGeek and The Linux Foundation, are already working to refurbish and distribute computers with Linux pre-installed, ensuring that older PCs remain useful and accessible.

Conclusion

As Windows 10 reaches its end of life, charities must make difficult choices. While upgrading to Windows 11 may be out of reach for many, switching to Linux could offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution. However, this transition requires training, support, and awareness. Without intervention, the risk of increased e-waste remains high. The decision charities make today will not only impact their beneficiaries but also the future of digital inclusion and environmental responsibility.

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