In a notable legal move, California resident Lawrence Klein has initiated a lawsuit against Microsoft, aiming to halt the company’s plan to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This decision, according to Klein, seems premature and could impact hundreds of millions of users, who may face the dilemma of upgrading their existing hardware or encountering unpatched vulnerabilities.
Microsoft’s announcement to cease regular updates and security patches for Windows 10 by mid-October has sparked concerns among its user base. Although affected machines will remain operational, they could be vulnerable to crashes and security risks. Currently, Windows 11 is installed on approximately 55% of Microsoft-based PCs, which implies that a significant 45% still operate on Windows 10.
Klein's lawsuit challenges the timing of discontinuing support, suggesting it unfairly prompts users towards adopting Windows 11 and AI-enhanced Copilot+ PCs, thus sustaining market dominance. It highlights figures indicating that around 240 million Windows 10 devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware incompatibility, raising environmental concerns over potential e-waste.
Furthermore, Klein and his legal team are urging Microsoft to continue offering free security updates until the installed base of Windows 10 drops below 10% of the total number of Windows users. The lawsuit also demands a reassessment of Windows 11 hardware requirements to allow compatibility with more existing devices, alongside requests for clearer end-of-support notifications both in advertising and at the point of sale.
Microsoft faces lawsuit over Windows 10 support deadline
Legal Allegations and Key Concerns
Klein's lawsuit challenges the timing of discontinuing support, suggesting it unfairly prompts users towards adopting Windows 11 and AI-enhanced Copilot+ PCs, thus sustaining market dominance. It highlights figures indicating that around 240 million Windows 10 devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware incompatibility, raising environmental concerns over potential e-waste.
Furthermore, Klein and his legal team are urging Microsoft to continue offering free security updates until the installed base of Windows 10 drops below 10% of the total number of Windows users. The lawsuit also demands a reassessment of Windows 11 hardware requirements to allow compatibility with more existing devices, alongside requests for clearer end-of-support notifications both in advertising and at the point of sale.
Microsoft's Response and Extended Update Options
Microsoft has introduced paid extended security updates as a mitigation strategy, priced at $30 per device for individuals and $61 for businesses during the first year after the official support end. These fees are slated to increase significantly, reaching $244 per device by the third year. Conversely, a limited free option is available, where security updates are provided only upon signing into a Microsoft account, with no additional feature updates or technical support included.
The unfolding legal case, supported by Klein's CounselOne law firm, not only targets Microsoft’s support discontinuation but also explores forming class action claims concerning consumer harm and perceived unfair technology policies. This approach seeks to broaden the discussion on corporate responsibility towards consumers, especially when systemic changes have widespread ramifications.
