Of the approximately 2.1 million Windows 10 computers estimated to exist in Portugal, about 1.17 million are not expected to migrate to Windows 11, according to a new Fraunhofer Austria study, released in a press release.
According to the same source, to address this challenge, Google and refurbed have joined forces to extend the lifespans of computers through ChromeOS Flex. This Google operating system can be installed on Windows PCs and compatible Mac computers. It provides automatic security updates and access to web applications, allowing continued use of these devices and avoiding premature replacement.
This alternative gains relevance as the end of Windows 10 security updates approaches. After the official support ends in 2025, an additional period of updates was made available, which ends on October 12, 2027. From that date, computers continuing to use this operating system will be more exposed to security risks, which could lead to the replacement of still-functional equipment.
The scale of this challenge extends beyond Portugal; according to the same study, about 41 million of the 74 million Windows 10 devices in the European Union may not migrate to Windows 11. The risk of replacing still-functional equipment thus takes on a European scale.
It is in this context that the partnership seeks to give users an alternative to replacing their computers. “Although we cannot change software life cycles on our own, we are excited to work with Google to offer a practical solution and give users an alternative,” says Kilian Kaminski, co-founder of refurbed.
On Google’s side, the collaboration combines extending the lifespan of devices with reducing costs and waste. “With ChromeOS Flex and this collaboration with refurbed, supported by Fraunhofer’s research, we are offering people a more sustainable way to regain control and extend the life of their compatible devices, while helping them save money and reduce unnecessary electronic waste,” says Alexander Kuscher, Senior Director of Laptops & Tablets at Google.
The Fraunhofer Austria study quantifies the environmental benefits of extending device lifespans. In the realistic scenario for Portugal, keeping the 1.17 million computers in use for another year could avert about 9,133 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and 33 tonnes of electronic waste. In a theoretical scenario covering the 2.1 million Windows 10 devices in the country, potential savings would reach 16,487 tonnes of CO₂ and 60 tonnes of electronic waste.
At the scale of the European Union, extending by one year the use of the 41 million devices in the realistic scenario would avoid approximately 321,724 tonnes of CO₂ and 1,172 tonnes of electronic waste.
“All of our research to date shows that prolonging the life of a device has a significant impact on environmental outcomes,” says Paul Rudorf, author of the Fraunhofer Austria study.
This potential to reduce environmental impact aligns with the partners’ commitment to prolonging equipment use. “We share and value refurbed’s strong commitment to extending the life cycle of products,” adds Ted Briggs, Lead for Sustainability Strategy at Google.
How does ChromeOS Flex work?
- What it is: a Google operating system based in the cloud, with automatic security updates, for existing PCs and Macs.
- What it’s for: allows web browsing, streaming content, and using web applications, such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
- Who it’s for: those who want to use their compatible devices for longer. Those who rely on Windows-exclusive applications may need to maintain a traditional PC setup.
- How to get it: download free from the official ChromeOS Flex site.
- Before installing: check compatibility on the list of certified models and try the system via a USB stick.
- Protecting data: back up before proceeding with the final installation.
In Portugal, the (re)flex, USB stick with ChromeOS Flex will be available through refurbed.pt, upon payment of 3 euros covering shipping costs.
