Aug 13, 2025 12:05:00

Americans sue Microsoft for discontinuing Windows 10, demanding free extended support

Microsoft's mainstream support for Windows 10 will

end on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. One user who is not happy with the end of support has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft.

Microsoft Word - Microsoft Complaint v9 - klein-v-microsoft-san-diego-complaint.pdf
(PDF file) https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/klein-v-microsoft-san-diego-complaint.pdf

Microsoft sued for discontinuing Windows 10 support | Courthouse News Service
https://www.courthousenews.com/microsoft-sued-for-discontinuing-windows-10-support/

A guy in California is suing Microsoft for discontinuing Windows 10, demanding free extended support | PC Gamer
https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/a-guy-in-california-is-suing-microsoft-for-discontinuing-windows-10-demanding-free-extended-support/

Lawrence Klein, a California resident, argues that Microsoft's strategy to end support for Windows 10 is part of a strategy to monopolize the generative AI market.

Klein argues that 'Microsoft's strategy is to use its dominance in the OS market to gain a dominance in the generative AI market as well. By getting customers to buy new devices and run Windows 11, they can secure a large user base that will use Windows 11 by default and use their own AI, including Copilot.'

In addition, Klein points out that there are security risks associated with the end of support.

'With less than three months until the end of support for Windows 10, we estimate that tens of millions of users will likely not buy new devices or pay for extended support for Windows 10. These users include businesses that store sensitive customer data, so not switching to Windows 11 increases their risk of cyberattacks and other security risks. Microsoft is well aware of this reality,' Klein said.

'In other words, their long-term business strategy to gain a dominant position threatens the data of not only Microsoft customers, but also those who don't use Microsoft products,' he added, describing the Windows 11 forced adoption strategy as a campaign to get users to abandon their old but functional Windows 10 devices and buy Copilot+ PCs that can run Microsoft's AI software.

Klein owns two laptops, both of which run Windows 10, and he worries that they will become outdated when support for Windows 10 ends.

There are still many Windows 10 users, and traffic analysis service

Statcounter estimates that 42.99% of Windows OS users are still using Windows 10.

While upgrading to Windows 11 is free, Klein points out that 240 million personal computers lack the appropriate hardware requirements, leaving them vulnerable to malware and viruses. While personal licenses offer a one-year extended support period starting October 14, they are generally paid services. Taking this into account, Klein argues, 'This could result in a huge amount of e-waste.'

For these reasons, Klein called on Microsoft to clearly disclose the impact of the end of support for Windows 10, to transparently communicate alternative security options for users who want to continue using Windows 10, and to provide support at no additional cost until the number of Windows 10 users falls below 10% of the total.