Individual from California files lawsuit against Microsoft, aiming to prolong operation of Windows 10 until usage statistics drop below the 10% mark.
California resident Lawrence Klein has filed a class-action lawsuit against tech giant Microsoft, challenging the company's decision to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. The lawsuit, which is currently ongoing but unresolved, argues that Microsoft is violating consumer and business laws by ending support too soon, given that Windows 10 still has a large user base and many devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to strict hardware requirements.
The Central Claim
At the heart of the lawsuit is the allegation that Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 is not about security or technology, but about forcing users onto new Copilot+ PCs that are optimized to run Microsoft's generative AI software. The plaintiff argues that this is an attempt by Microsoft to leverage its operating system dominance to unfairly control the emerging AI market.
The Implications
With nearly half of all Windows users still on Windows 10, the end of support poses a major cybersecurity risk for a massive global user base. The lawsuit highlights the growing link between hardware, software, and the race for AI dominance, questioning whether consumers are being forced into an ecosystem they didn't choose.
The Allegations
Klein alleges that Microsoft's plan creates forced obsolescence for PCs that cannot meet the strict hardware requirements for Windows 11. An estimated 240 million PCs are expected to become obsolete due to Microsoft's decision. The plaintiff also raises concerns about unfair consumer costs and increased e-waste caused by forced hardware upgrades.
The Legal Battle
The lawsuit demands that Microsoft maintain free security and feature updates for Windows 10 until adoption rates drop significantly. Given the timing—Windows 10 support ends in October 2025 and the case was filed in 2025—it is unlikely a court ruling will come before then. Microsoft is expected to vigorously defend its position, potentially all the way to the Supreme Court due to the company's vast legal resources.
The Future
As of August 2025, no court rulings or settlements have been reported in this ongoing case. The outcome could set a new legal precedent for the tech industry, potentially forcing companies to reconsider their practices of phasing out older software and hardware. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
The lawsuit claims that Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 is not primarily focused on technology advancements, but rather an attempt to push users towards new Copilot+ PCs for AI software domination (finance, general-news). The legal battle may have far-reaching implications, as it could challenge industry practices regarding the phasing out of older software and hardware, potentially leading to changes in tech business strategies (business).
