Asus Pushes Copilot+ PCs — But What About All the Windows 10 Laptops Being Left Behind? Can you do something about it ?
With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, Asus is now echoing Microsoft’s message: if your laptop can’t run Windows 11, it’s time to buy a new one — preferably one of their new Copilot+ PCs. But this push to upgrade ignores a much bigger issue: what happens to the millions of perfectly usable laptops that are now considered obsolete?
Asus recently posted a pitch encouraging users to switch to Windows 11, particularly highlighting its Copilot+ laptops. These devices boast dedicated AI processors, or NPUs, that promise to deliver faster, more efficient performance by handling AI tasks locally. According to Asus, this marks a major leap forward in computing power — at least, on paper.
Their message is pretty straightforward: if your current Windows 10 laptop doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11 or Copilot+, now is the time to upgrade. And yes, they’ve conveniently got a range of new Vivobook models ready for you to choose from.
But here’s the catch — and it’s a big one.
What about environmental effects ? : E-Waste and Upgrade Pressure
This marketing strategy, which essentially encourages users to toss out old devices in favor of newer models, completely overlooks the growing environmental concerns around electronic waste. Critics have long warned that the stricter system requirements for Windows 11 will lead to a surge in discarded PCs — most of which are still fully functional but can’t meet Microsoft’s updated standards.
In many cases, the only thing holding these machines back is an older processor — something you can’t easily upgrade on a laptop. It’s a frustrating situation, especially for users who’d prefer to keep using their current hardware rather than sending it off to the landfill.
And while it’s true that running an unsupported OS isn’t ideal from a security standpoint, there are other options. Microsoft, for the first time, is offering consumers the chance to pay for extended support after Windows 10’s end-of-life date. While we don’t yet know if this option will be affordable or if it’ll last more than a year, it does give users a little breathing room — and a more eco-friendly path forward.
There’s also the option of switching to Linux, which continues to be a viable alternative for older PCs.
Overhyping Copilot+ — The Reality Today
Another issue with Asus’s pitch — and Microsoft’s too — is that they may be overselling just how transformative Copilot+ PCs really are. Sure, these laptops bring a few cool features, like enhanced search functions using natural language and AI-powered tweaks to user settings, but many of the so-called “exclusive” features (including Recall) aren’t as groundbreaking as they’re made out to be — at least, not yet.
Copilot+ has potential, no doubt, and AI integration in PCs will likely grow over time. But the current capabilities aren’t so impressive that they justify tossing your existing laptop just for the sake of it. Right now, it feels more like marketing hype than a true game-changer.
Think Before You buy a new PC
Not every older PC should be kept running forever, and it’s fair to say that change is inevitable in tech. But both Microsoft and its partners like Asus need to take more responsibility for the environmental implications of these upgrade campaigns. Urging people to throw away usable devices in the name of “AI progress” sends the wrong message, especially in a world already drowning in e-waste.
It would be refreshing to see more support options extended for older systems — and not just for businesses, but for everyday users as well. Until then, it’s worth considering all your options before jumping on the Copilot+ bandwagon.
