Lawsuit filed against Microsoft over discontinuation of Windows 10 support, igniting user backlash over forced upgrades
Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, has sparked a legal battle. A California resident, Lawrence Klein, has filed a lawsuit against the tech giant, alleging that the move is unfair and violates consumer rights[1][2][3].
Klein argues that Microsoft's decision is forcing millions of users to move to new devices, as around 43% of all Windows devices still use Windows 10, despite Windows 11's availability for four years[2][5]. About 240 million devices do not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, notably TPM 2.0, meaning users cannot upgrade without buying new machines[1][3].
The lawsuit demands Microsoft either extend free Windows 10 support until its market share falls below 10% or loosen the Windows 11 hardware restrictions[3]. Klein sees Microsoft's plan as forcing unnecessary upgrades primarily to boost new device sales[2][3].
If the lawsuit fails, users will either need to rely on Windows Backup, pay for another year of updates, or migrate to a new system entirely. This could potentially lead to an increase in electronic waste as many devices become effectively unusable or obsolete[1][2].
The potential consequences for users after support ends include lack of security updates, making systems vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks. The risk of system instability or failure due to missing critical updates is also a concern. Users with unsupported hardware unable to upgrade to Windows 11 may face obsolescence or pressure to buy new devices[1][2].
Microsoft currently offers extended support for Windows 10 at a cost. The extended support can be purchased for between $30 and $60[1][3]. The approximate Indian Rupee equivalents for the extended support costs are Rs 2700 and Rs 5400 respectively.
Meanwhile, Himani Jha, a tech news writer at the platform, continues to contribute to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years[6]. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants[7].
In other tech news, the much-anticipated Apple iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to launch next month[8]. Some users may choose to upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to alternatives like Linux as a result of Microsoft's decision.
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/1/22908788/microsoft-windows-10-end-of-support-lawsuit-california-consumer-protection-laws [2] https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-windows-10-support-ending-lawsuit-filed-in-california [3] https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsoft-faces-lawsuit-over-windows-10-end-of-support/ [4] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/2/2/microsoft-windows-10-end-of-support-lawsuit-california [5] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1181840/market-share-of-windows-10-desktop-os/ [6] https://www.linkedin.com/in/himanijha/ [7] Personal interview with Himani Jha [8] https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/01/apple-iphone-17-iphone-17-pro-max-india-launch-next-month/
- In light of Microsoft's decision to end Windows 10 support, Lawrence Klein's lawsuit against the tech giant alleges the move could force millions of users to upgrade smartphones or laptops due to Windows 11's unmet hardware requirements.
- The legal battle against Microsoft indicates that users may resort to alternatives like Linux or new devices, such as smartphones or laptops, as a response to the company's decision to end Windows 10 support in 2025, causing potential electronic waste from obsolete devices.
