In October 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. This poses a significant challenge for businesses still relying on this operating system, as it means no more security updates or patches, leaving devices vulnerable to cyberattacks. But this challenge also presents a unique opportunity to embrace sustainable IT practices and unlock significant value.
The Risks and Costs of Inaction
Ignoring the Windows 10 end-of-life can lead to:
- Security breaches: Without security updates, devices become easy targets for malware and cyberattacks, potentially leading to data loss and financial damage.
- Compliance issues: Many organisations have strict security standards, and running unsupported software can lead to compliance violations and penalties.
- Performance and reliability problems: As software ages, it can become unstable and slow, impacting productivity and user experience.
Upgrading to Windows 11, the logical next step, often requires new hardware, as it’s not supported on older devices. This can lead to significant costs for businesses needing to refresh a large number of devices.
The Sustainable Solution: Refurbished IT
Refurbished laptops and PCs offer a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to purchasing brand-new equipment. Here’s why:
- Significant cost savings: Refurbished devices can be up to 70% cheaper than new, allowing businesses to upgrade their IT infrastructure without breaking the bank.
- Reduced environmental impact: Manufacturing new devices requires significant resources and energy. Choosing refurbished reduces e-waste and minimises your carbon footprint.
- High quality and reliability: Tier1’s rigorous refurbishment process ensures that devices are thoroughly tested, data wiped, and upgraded to meet the latest standards.
The 80/10/10 Model: A Balanced Approach
For businesses looking to optimise both cost and sustainability, the 80/10/10 model offers a balanced approach:
- 80% New: Replace 80% of your devices with new equipment.
- 10% Refurbished (Existing): Refurbish 10% of your existing devices and redeploy them back into the business.
- 10% Refurbished (Purchase): Purchase 10% of your devices as refurbished.
This model allows businesses to upgrade their IT infrastructure while minimising costs and environmental impact.
Tier1: Your Partner in Sustainable IT
Tier1 is a leading provider of IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) and refurbished hardware solutions. We can help you navigate the Windows 10 end-of-life and develop a sustainable IT strategy that meets your business needs and budget.
Our comprehensive approach to ITAD ensures that we maximise the value of your IT assets at every stage of their lifecycle. We offer secure data destruction, equipment recovery, and environmentally friendly disposal, all while adhering to the highest industry standards and regulations.
Don’t let the Windows 10 end-of-life become a crisis. Contact Tier1 today to discuss your options and unlock the value of your end-of-life IT assets.
