California user sues Microsoft as Windows 10 ends with 240M PCs unable to upgrade

A California Windows 10 user is suing Microsoft for ending support for the operating system while nearly half of all desktop users still rely on it. Lawrence Klein argues that Microsoft’s decision forces customers to buy new hardware optimized for AI features like Copilot, with an estimated 240 million computers unable to run Windows 11.

What you should know: Klein owns two Windows 10 laptops that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 and claims Microsoft is pushing users toward AI-enabled devices through forced obsolescence.
• The lawsuit states that “Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 while most of its consumer base was still using it was part of the company’s larger strategy to force its customers to purchase new devices optimized to run Microsoft’s suite of generative artificial intelligence (AI) software such as Copilot, which comes bundled with Windows 11 by default.”
• Klein wants Microsoft to provide clear disclosures about operating system lifespans at the point of purchase and continue this practice for future Windows versions.

The numbers: Windows 10 still commands a substantial share of the desktop market despite Windows 11’s recent growth.
• Statcounter data from July shows 53.39% of worldwide desktop users are on Windows 11, while 43% still use Windows 10.
• Windows 11 only overtook Windows 10 last month, despite launching in 2021.
• Klein estimates 240 million computers cannot run the Windows 11 upgrade.

Microsoft’s response: The company has introduced paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) to bridge the gap for users who can’t or won’t upgrade.
• Users can pay $30 for an additional year of security-only updates, extending support until October 2026.
• Alternative options include syncing Windows Backup to OneDrive for free access or using Microsoft Reward points to purchase updates.

Why this matters: The lawsuit challenges tech companies’ ability to force hardware upgrades through software support cycles, particularly when tied to AI adoption strategies.
• Klein argues Microsoft should have offered extended support for free and maintain it until Windows 10’s market share shrinks significantly.
• The case could set precedent for how operating system manufacturers handle end-of-life transitions when large user bases remain on older versions.

Looking ahead: The lawsuit seeks to establish new transparency requirements for software lifecycle disclosures.
• Klein wants Microsoft to provide “clear disclosures to consumers purchasing a Windows OS license” about how long the software will receive support.
• This approach mirrors recent trends among Android manufacturers, who now specify minimum years of software updates at purchase.