Microsoft Faces Lawsuit in California Over Windows 10 Support Cutoff—Will Users Be Forced to Upgrade?
- Why Is Microsoft Being Sued Over Windows 10 Support?
- How Many Users Are Stuck Between Windows 10 and 11?
- Is Microsoft Pushing AI Adoption Through Forced Upgrades?
- What Are Microsoft’s Current Support Options?
- Could This Lawsuit Delay the Windows 10 Cutoff?
- What’s the Bigger Picture for Tech Sustainability?
- FAQs: Your Windows 10 Questions Answered
A California user is suing Microsoft to extend free security updates for Windows 10, claiming the company’s decision to end support leaves millions vulnerable to cyberattacks. The lawsuit alleges strategic market manipulation, as 45% of Windows devices still run the outdated OS. With the October 14 deadline looming, the case highlights the financial and security dilemmas for users—especially the 240 million PCs incompatible with Windows 11. Will Microsoft bend, or will users face costly upgrades?
Why Is Microsoft Being Sued Over Windows 10 Support?
Lawrence Klein, a Windows 10 user, has filed a lawsuit in California arguing that Microsoft’s plan to discontinue free security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, will expose millions to cyber risks. Klein owns two laptops that will become obsolete post-deadline and seeks a court order to compel Microsoft to continue support until the user base drops below a "reasonable threshold." Currently, Windows 10 powers 45% of the 700 million active Windows devices globally. The lawsuit claims Microsoft is aware many users can’t afford hardware upgrades or paid extended support, leaving them defenseless against exploits.
How Many Users Are Stuck Between Windows 10 and 11?
Approximately 240 million PCs can’t upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations like TPM 2.0 requirements. Klein’s filing asserts these users are being "coerced" into buying new devices or paying unexpected fees—Microsoft’s extended support plans cost $30–$60 annually. "It’s a shake-down," one Reddit user complained last month. "My 2018 Dell runs fine, but now I’m a cash cow for Microsoft’s AI pivot." Data from StatCounter shows Windows 10 still holds a 67% market share among Windows OS versions as of July 2025.
Is Microsoft Pushing AI Adoption Through Forced Upgrades?
The lawsuit accuses Microsoft of strategically sunsetting Windows 10 to drive adoption of Windows 11, which integrates AI tools like Copilot. "This isn’t just about security—it’s about monopolizing generative AI," argues Klein’s legal team. Internal Microsoft emails from 2024 (leaked via The Verge) revealed discussions about "aligning Windows 11’s growth with Copilot adoption targets." Critics compare the MOVE to Apple’s controversial "planned obsolescence" tactics, though Microsoft insists Windows 10’s 10-year lifecycle is industry-standard.
What Are Microsoft’s Current Support Options?
Microsoft offers two post-deadline paths:
- Paid Extended Security Updates (ESU): $61 per device for the first year, doubling annually.
- Free Limited Support: Available for education and non-profits, but excludes critical vulnerabilities.
Could This Lawsuit Delay the Windows 10 Cutoff?
Legal experts are skeptical. "Courts rarely force companies to maintain legacy products," says Stanford Law’s Dr. Elena Petrov. However, California’s stringent consumer protection laws could mandate temporary injunctions. Similar cases—like the 2019 lawsuit against Apple for throttling older iPhones—resulted in settlements rather than policy reversals. Microsoft’s stock (MSFT) dipped 0.8% after the lawsuit’s announcement but recovered within hours, suggesting investors aren’t panicking… yet.
What’s the Bigger Picture for Tech Sustainability?
This case taps into growing backlash against "tech waste." A 2025 UN report estimates 53 million metric tons of e-waste annually stem from forced upgrades. "Microsoft’s climate pledges ring hollow when they discard functional devices," says Greenpeace’s IT analyst. Ironically, Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements were initially framed as security measures—now they’re seen as profit drivers. As one Twitter user quipped, "My PC meets ‘minimum requirements’ for everything except corporate greed."
FAQs: Your Windows 10 Questions Answered
Can I still use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025?
Yes, but without security updates, your risk of malware infections increases significantly. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or subscribing to Extended Security Updates.
How much does Windows 10 extended support cost?
Prices start at $30/year for home users and scale up to $60/year for enterprises. Non-profits may qualify for free basic updates.
Why won’t my PC run Windows 11?
Windows 11 requires newer CPUs (8th-gen Intel or Ryzen 2000+), TPM 2.0 chips, and Secure Boot—features absent in many pre-2019 devices.
Is this lawsuit likely to succeed?
Historically, courts favor companies’ rights to sunset products. However, California’s consumer laws could force concessions like discounted upgrades.
