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, m...