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California man sues Microsoft to keep Windows 10 running until usage falls below 10%

uTech News2024-05-0806 mins

California Man Takes Microsoft to Court Over Windows 10 End‑Of‑Support

Lawrence Klein, a California resident, has filed a class‑action lawsuit alleging that Microsoft’s plan to discontinue Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025 is designed to coerce consumers into purchasing new PCs.*

The lawsuit contends that Microsoft is using its dominant operating‑system position to force users into PCs equipped with its Copilot+ generative‑AI suite, thereby creating a “captive market” for future services.

Main Claims

Claim	Explanation
Forced obsolescence	Ending support for Windows 10 will render any PC unable to run Windows 11 insecure and effectively obsolete.
Anticompetitive intent	The shutdown is not a security or technology necessity; it is meant to push users toward Copilot+‑enabled hardware.
Market control	Microsoft would be leveraging its OS dominance to lock consumers into its AI ecosystem, limiting alternatives.
Class‑action remedy	The plaintiff seeks that Microsoft keep Windows 10 free of support until Windows install share falls below 10 % (from the current 43 %).

Why This Matters

Widespread device impact: Roughly 240 million PCs may become unsupported, leading to significant e‑waste and consumer costs.

Security risk: Users on old Windows 10 systems will no longer receive free security updates past October 14, exposing them to viruses and malware.

Economic pressure: Individuals face three options: buy a new PC, pay the annual $30 Extended Security Updates fee, or use an insecure device.

Business cost structure:

1st year: $61 per device

2nd year: $122 per device

3rd year: $244 per device

Virtual‑machine files: Windows 10 ESU remains free for select cloud and hybrid services (Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, etc.), and Windows 10 devices linked to Windows 365 cloud PCs receive free ESU for up to three years, provided the subscription is active.

Legal and Industry Implications

This lawsuit directly challenges industry norms surrounding the phasing out of older software and hardware, potentially establishing a new legal precedent.

It highlights the evolving intersection of hardware, software, and AI dominance—asking whether consumers are being coerced into an ecosystem they did not choose.

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Bottom line:* If your current machine runs Windows 10 but can’t upgrade to Windows 11, you’ll be asked to either upgrade your PC, pay for an extended security fee, or risk falling behind on crucial security updates. Microsoft’s proposed plan could force many users into costly new hardware purchases, triggering legal scrutiny over alleged anticompetitive practices.

What’s next?

b>Microsoft Windows 10 Support Dispute: Lawsuit and Customer Choices

b>Legal Status of the Microsoft Case

The lawsuit has entered the legal arena, but Microsoft has not yet issued a public statement regarding the specific allegations. While the case will move through the courts, a settlement is unlikely before the October 2025 deadline set for resolution.

b>Options for Users on Ineligible Hardware

Windows 10 users who are on hardware that no longer qualifies for standard updates face a decision within the coming weeks. Their choices include:

Purchase a new PC that meets current compatibility standards.
Pay for extended support to keep the existing system running safely.
Switch to an alternative operating system that offers modern features and security.

b>Implications of the Lawsuit’s Outcome

The result of this legal proceeding could shape how major technology companies handle future software transitions and their obligations to long‑time customers. Key considerations might include:

Reevaluation of software end‑of‑life schedules.
Clarification of customer support responsibilities under licensing agreements.
Guidance for transition strategies that balance innovation and user continuity.

b>Looking Ahead

As the case progresses, users and industry observers will keenly monitor how Microsoft and other firms negotiate the balance between technological progress and customer commitments. The final judgment will likely set a precedent for future support strategies.