In an open letter to European Commissioners Jessika Roswall and Henna Virkkunen, the coalition called for new EU rules on software updates arguing that, without binding obligations, manufacturers can effectively “kill” otherwise functional devices.
The intervention coincides with Microsoft’s planned end of automatic free support for Windows 10, scheduled for 14 October 2025 – International E-Waste Day.
Windows 10 still runs on nearly half of all Windows computers globally, and campaigners warned that this move could generate over 700 million kilograms of e-waste as users are forced to upgrade or replace hardware.
The letter stated: “Existing legislation offers no protection against this looming e-waste tsunami.
“Software obsolescence undermines circularity strategies while driving environmental harm and unnecessary costs for consumers.”
400 million devices unable to update
While Microsoft has promised one additional year of free updates for European Economic Area users who sign in with a Microsoft account, Right to Repair Europe said this is only a temporary reprieve.
Around 400 million devices remain unable to upgrade to Windows 11, leaving users facing limited choices: replace devices, pay for extended services, switch to open-source systems or continue with unsupported and insecure software.
Campaigners stressed that the Windows 10 case is only the most visible example of a much wider trend.
Software-dependent products now range from laptops and smartwatches to thermostats, medical equipment, toys and home appliances – all at risk of being rendered obsolete when manufacturers withdraw updates or stop providing security patches.
Calls for long-term software guarantees
While the Ecodesign framework mandates a minimum of five years of software updates for smartphones and tablets, laptops and many other devices are excluded.
The coalition is calling for Ecodesign requirements guaranteeing at least 15 years of software and security updates for laptops, alongside horizontal rules on durability and repairability for all products with a plug or battery.
The letter concluded: “How can the EU achieve digital and circular competitiveness if citizens and businesses remain subject to digital feudalism? Strong, enforceable rules against software obsolescence are urgently needed.”
The campaign formed part of a broader international effort to challenge software obsolescence.
U.S. PIRG, together with Right to Repair Europe, Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée, Repair.org, iFixit, Consumer Reports and Euroconsumers, recently delivered a letter to Microsoft signed by 590 organisations, including 382 repair businesses and 49 advocacy groups.
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