Lawsuit possible against Microsoft for terminating Windows 10 assistance
Microsoft is facing a legal challenge from Lawrence Klein, a resident of Southern California, who has filed a lawsuit against the tech giant in the Superior Court of San Diego County. The lawsuit centres on Klein's claims that Microsoft is prematurely ending support for Windows 10, in violation of consumer and business laws.
Klein alleges that Microsoft's decision to discontinue Windows 10 support in October 2025 is problematic, particularly for those who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements like TPM 2.0. He argues that Microsoft is effectively coercing users to buy new devices optimised for Windows 11 and its bundled generative AI features, such as Copilot, which harms those with older hardware.
This legal challenge could pressure Microsoft to extend Windows 10 support or reconsider its transition strategy to Windows 11. The implications of this lawsuit and Microsoft's discontinuation decision are far-reaching, impacting user adoption patterns and corporate upgrade policies.
One of the key implications is the limitation of Windows 11 adoption for users with incompatible hardware. Approximately 240 million devices cannot meet Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 and other specifications, leaving many users stuck with an unsupported OS if the lawsuit fails.
Another implication is the potential for forced hardware upgrades. Microsoft's stance is seen as pushing customers to purchase new devices that can run Windows 11 and its AI capabilities, raising concerns over e-waste and financial burden on users.
The lawsuit also poses a legal and public relations risk for Microsoft. If Klein's suit succeeds or gains traction, Microsoft might be compelled to extend Windows 10 support or adjust hardware requirements, altering its current upgrade path and market strategy.
User backlash and alternative OS adoption are also possible outcomes. Some holdouts may choose not to upgrade partly due to Windows 11’s Microsoft account requirements and hardware demands, possibly driving a segment toward alternatives like Linux.
Extended Security Updates (ESU) provide a paid extension for Windows 10 support, but conditions like requiring a Microsoft account make this unattractive or infeasible for some users. This adds pressure on both consumers and Microsoft to find equitable solutions.
Experts have doubts that the legal process will conclude before the end of official Windows 10 support, which is two months away. Windows 10 users can extend access to security updates for a year for a fee of $30, if they have a Microsoft account. However, the need to create a Microsoft account to install Windows 11 discourages some users from upgrading.
Microsoft is expected to challenge any ruling that is unfavourable to it. There are ways to bypass this requirement, but doing so may result in the device losing official support and complicating technical assistance.
Klein demands the court to order Microsoft to continue supporting Windows 10 without additional charge until its market share falls below 10%. If Klein's demands are met, it could lead to additional costs for Microsoft and potentially slow the adoption of Windows 11.
In conclusion, Klein's lawsuit highlights tensions between corporate product lifecycle decisions, user hardware limitations, and market-driven adoption of new operating systems. It raises the possibility that Microsoft could face legal and consumer-driven challenges that might delay or modify the Windows 11 adoption curve.
The legal challenge filed by Lawrence Klein against Microsoft could potentially impact the business and finance sector, as it may pressure Microsoft to reconsider its transition strategy to Windows 11, which could alter technology requirements for hardware and software adoption. Furthermore, if Klein's demands are met, Microsoft may incur additional costs and face delays in the adoption of Windows 11, potentially swaying the market towards alternative operating systems like Linux in the business and technology landscape.
