As Microsoft prepares for the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, millions of PCs are being deemed obsolete, according to the company. However, many of these devices remain operational and can be repurposed for alternative uses, such as creating a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system.
Currently, around 1.5 billion units are running Windows 10, with approximately 500 million able to upgrade to Windows 11, while another 500 million do not meet the new system's requirements. Dell’s COO, Jeffrey Clarke, highlighted in a recent earnings call that the transition to Windows 11 is ongoing, impacting both consumers and businesses.
For those looking to build a NAS, the hardware limitations of older PCs do not pose a significant issue, as NAS setups typically utilize dedicated operating systems like TrueNAS or Unraid. This shift away from Windows for NAS solutions allows users to effectively utilize hardware that may not support the latest Windows version.