California User Sues Microsoft Over Windows 10 End Date

- A California resident sues Microsoft for ending Windows 10 support, citing security risks and financial burdens. - The lawsuit alleges forced obsolescence and market manipulation to favor hardware upgrades and AI. California resident Lawrence Klein has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft in San Diego Superior Court, urging the company to reverse its plan to halt free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. On August 7, 2025, Courthouse News Service reported that the lawsuit accuses Microsoft of unfair business practices, with Klein claiming these practices expose millions to cybersecurity risks and impose financial strain through costly alternatives. Klein’s complaint highlights that Microsoft’s decision impacts nearly 700 million devices still running on Windows 10, while approximately 240 million of these cannot upgrade to Windows 11 because of outdated hardware. A key limitation is the requirement for a TPM 2.0 security module, which many older machines lack. This leaves users with limited choices: buy new hardware, pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU), or risk exposure to cyber threats. Klein contends this policy is deliberate “forced obsolescence” that coerces consumers into spending more while compromising their security. In addition, the lawsuit accuses Microsoft of using Windows 11's integrated AI assistant, Copilot, to strengthen its position in the AI software market. Klein asserts these practices create unfair barriers for competitors and penalize users with older systems. Consequently, the suit aims to establish systemic fairness and protect market competition. Specifically, the lawsuit demands that Microsoft continue free support for Windows 10 until its market share falls below 10% of all Windows users. It also calls for greater transparency about end-of-support timelines at the point of sale so consumers are fully informed before they buy. Microsoft has not yet released a formal statement on the legal challenge; however, its current ESU program offers paid updates to Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade. Critics suggest this program underscores Microsoft's focus on profit over consumer protection, and analysts believe the case could influence broader software lifecycle policies and spark debate in the evolving generative AI sector. Several law firms are also reportedly investigating potential class-action lawsuits for other affected users.