Many users are expressing their dissatisfaction with Microsoft's Windows 10 retirement plans, but one California resident, Lawrence Klein, is taking his frustration to the next level by filing a lawsuit against the tech giant. Klein is demanding that Microsoft continue to provide free updates for Windows 10 until the operating system's popularity significantly declines.
Klein, who is mentioned in the lawsuit only as a resident of California, owns two laptops that run Windows 10. Unfortunately, these devices cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 due to their lack of a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM), a requirement set by Microsoft to enhance security features. Although Microsoft had previously offered a workaround for this restriction, the company has since eliminated it, leaving many users in a difficult position as support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14, 2025.
Klein's legal team argues that Microsoft has violated several California regulations regarding business practices, advertising, and consumer rights. They contend that the company is effectively forcing users to upgrade to Windows 11, leaving those who opt not to upgrade without essential security updates. However, it is worth noting that users can still receive support for Windows 10 by paying for extended support, which currently costs $30 for the first year. Moreover, users can access this first year for free by using Microsoft Reward points or by signing in with a Microsoft account.
In his lawsuit, Klein is seeking a court order that would require Microsoft to provide free support for Windows 10 until less than 10% of all Windows users are still using the operating system. Alternatively, he is asking the court to compel Microsoft to relax the hardware requirements that prevent many users from upgrading to Windows 11.
The complaint highlights that the planned end-of-life for Windows 10 appears to be premature compared to previous operating system transitions. Historically, Microsoft supported its operating systems for an extended period following the release of their successors. For example, Windows XP received support for seven years after the launch of Vista, and other versions typically had about eight years of support after their successors were introduced. Given that Windows 11 has only been available for four years, Klein's team argues that Windows 10 should have at least four more years of support.
At the time Microsoft announced its plans for the phaseout, Windows 10 still held over 50% of the market share. Although Windows 11 has since surpassed Windows 10 with a 53.5% share, nearly 43% of users are still on Windows 10. Klein's lawyers assert that this is significantly higher than previous operating system transitions where the user base had already dwindled.
Klein's argument emphasizes that the transition to Windows 11 has been forced upon users, which he claims is not only artificial but also financially advantageous for Microsoft and the manufacturers that license Windows. The lawsuit points out that Windows 11 has not introduced compelling features that justify the upgrade, and many consumers find the new interface unappealing.
This forced transition presents a challenge for Microsoft as it attempts to gain a foothold in the rapidly evolving AI market. By pushing users to upgrade to devices compatible with Windows 11 and its integrated AI assistant, Copilot, Microsoft aims to establish an advantage over competing AI companies that rely on web-based or app-based distribution.
As the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, Klein’s lawsuit raises important questions about user rights and corporate responsibility. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Microsoft but also for millions of users who remain loyal to Windows 10 amid the company's push for newer technology. Microsoft has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this lawsuit.
