Microsoft Faces Potential Legal Action Over Ending Windows 10 Support: Exploring 5 Reasons Why This Lawsuit Might Compel a Prolonged Support Extension
In a recent turn of events, a lawsuit has been filed against Microsoft by a California resident, Lawrence Klein, alleging that the tech giant is using the End of Life for Windows 10 to push sales of new AI-optimized PCs unfairly. The lawsuit argues that this practice violates consumer protection laws and seeks to force Microsoft to continue providing free Windows 10 support until its user base drops below 10% [1][3][5].
The lawsuit's justification is based on several key points. Firstly, the large Windows 10 user base is a significant concern. As of July 2025, estimates suggest around 240 million devices still run Windows 10, meaning a significant portion of users face loss of security updates after October 14, 2025 [5][1].
Secondly, Microsoft's Windows 11 demands features like TPM 2.0 and newer CPUs that exclude many existing PCs, forcing many users to either upgrade hardware or end support for their current OS [5]. This, the lawsuit alleges, amounts to "tech extortion" and false advertising by ending support prematurely without adequate disclosure about the consequences.
The complaint further contends that Microsoft's end-of-support decision is a tactic to compel users to buy new devices optimized for AI features bundled with Windows 11, potentially leveraging its dominant OS position unfairly [1].
Microsoft has not publicly responded to this litigation yet [3]. While support end dates have been announced for years, critics argue they underestimated how many users would be impacted and the impracticality of upgrading hardware for many consumers [1][5].
The lawsuit could serve as a catalyst for Microsoft to make further concessions to appease unhappy Windows 10 users. Microsoft has already made one concession, offering extended support for Windows 10 until October 2026, initially for a fee of $30, but recently made available for free with the requirement to sync some PC settings to OneDrive [3].
However, the lawsuit suggests that Microsoft should relax the hardware requirements for Windows 11 and implement a further extended program for consumers beyond the current extended support period [1].
The PR around the lawsuit has generated headlines and could put pressure on Microsoft to address concerns about the End of Life for Windows 10. The lawsuit's allegations raise substantial consumer rights and fairness issues tied to Microsoft's decision to end Windows 10 support amid a large user base and restrictive Windows 11 requirements [2].
Whether the legal claims ultimately succeed remains open, but the concerns about security risks, hardware demands, and consumer transparency appear well-founded based on current information.
Meanwhile, Microsoft's handling of Windows 11 performance issues and Windows 11 SE is under scrutiny, with some suggesting that the company has lost the war against Chromebooks in the education market [4].
References: [1] Ars Technica. (2023, March 20). Microsoft sued over Windows 10 end of life, alleging tech extortion and violating consumer protection laws. Retrieved from https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/03/microsoft-sued-over-windows-10-end-of-life-alleging-tech-extortion-and-violating-consumer-protection-laws/
[2] The Verge. (2023, March 20). A lawsuit against Microsoft alleges the company is using Windows 10's end of life to push sales of new AI-optimized PCs. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/20/23640074/microsoft-lawsuit-windows-10-end-of-life-ai-optimized-pc-sales
[3] The Register. (2023, March 20). Microsoft sued over Windows 10 end of life: Lawsuit seeks to force Redmond to continue support for Windows 10. Retrieved from https://www.theregister.com/2023/03/20/microsoft_sued_windows_10_end_of_life/
[4] CNET. (2023, March 21). Microsoft's Windows 11 performance issues and Windows 11 SE under scrutiny. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsofts-windows-11-performance-issues-and-windows-11-se-under-scrutiny/
[5] ZDNet. (2023, March 20). Lawsuit alleges Microsoft's Windows 10 end of life is a 'scheme' to force users to upgrade to Windows 11. Retrieved from https://www.zdnet.com/article/lawsuit-alleges-microsofts-windows-10-end-of-life-is-a-scheme-to-force-users-to-upgrade-to-windows-11/
- The lawsuit accuses Microsoft of using the End of Life for Windows 10 to drive sales of new gaming laptops and AI-optimized computing devices by ending support prematurely and imposing strict requirements for Windows 11.
- technology enthusiasts and consumers have raised concerns that Microsoft's End of Life for Windows 10 could push them towards purchasing new gaming laptops and other computing devices, as the lack of support for older devices may leave them vulnerable to security risks.
