California Resident Takes Legal Action Against Microsoft Over Windows 10 Support Termination
A legal dispute has emerged in California as a resident has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft following the company's announcement that it will end support for Windows 10 this October. The plaintiff argues that Microsoft’s decision to gradually retire Windows 10 is a deliberate strategy to push consumers toward purchasing new devices and further its dominance in the generative AI market.
The Lawsuit Details
Lawrence Klein, a resident of Southern California, initiated the lawsuit under case number 25CU041477C. Klein currently owns two laptops running Windows 10 that are not eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. He contends that once support for Windows 10 ceases, his devices will effectively become obsolete, leaving him without essential functionality.
The lawsuit claims that Microsoft is leveraging its control over Windows 11, which integrates the AI assistant Copilot, to steer users toward newer hardware. Copilot is optimized for devices equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs), a feature largely absent in older machines, giving newer systems a significant technological advantage.
Consumer and Security Concerns
Klein’s filing warns that with just three months remaining until the end of Windows 10 support, millions of users may be unable or unwilling to purchase new devices or pay for extended security updates. "This scenario exposes users—some of whom manage sensitive consumer data—to higher risks of cyberattacks or security breaches," the lawsuit states, emphasizing that Microsoft is fully aware of these potential dangers.
The complaint also asserts that Microsoft’s long-term commercial strategy could compromise data security, not only for its own customers but also for individuals who do not use Microsoft products at all. By pressuring users to adopt Windows 11, the company is accused of prioritizing market dominance over user safety.
Requested Relief
Klein seeks a court order requiring Microsoft to provide free ongoing support for Windows 10 until the number of devices running the operating system falls below a reasonable threshold. The lawsuit also requests coverage of legal fees associated with the case, highlighting the financial burden imposed on affected users.
Microsoft’s End of Support Timeline
Microsoft previously announced that official support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Users with devices running Windows 10 are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 where possible. For older hardware that does not meet the technical requirements for Windows 11, Microsoft recommends enrolling in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program or replacing the device with a model compatible with Windows 11.
Implications for Users and the Tech Industry
This lawsuit draws attention to broader debates around software lifecycle management and consumer rights. Critics argue that the phased retirement of Windows 10, combined with the promotion of AI-integrated features in Windows 11, reflects an industry trend where technology companies encourage hardware turnover to maintain competitive advantage. The outcome of this legal challenge could influence future policies on end-of-life software support and the balance between innovation and consumer protection.