Sustainable solutions for the end of Microsoft Windows 10 support

Question for written answer E-000160/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Herbert Dorfmann (PPE)

With support for Microsoft Windows 10 scheduled to end on 14 October 2025, a major disruption is anticipated that will affect many users. In particular, the increased hardware requirements of Microsoft Windows 11 mean that numerous functional computers will no longer be supported and will thus in many cases have to be disposed of unnecessarily. This problem has potentially serious environmental and social consequences, as it will result in a massive increase in e-waste and particularly affects economically disadvantaged users.

• 1.How does the Commission intend to ensure that Microsoft's planned changes are compatible with the objectives of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and what measures will be taken to prevent the risk of increased e-waste?
• 2.What policies or support programmes are in place at EU level to facilitate the switch to open-source operating systems, thereby reducing both the environmental impact and the costs for consumers?

Submitted: 15.1.2025