Microsoft's Actions Allegedly Forcing Windows 10 Users to Embrace AI PCs, With Millions Resisting by Refusing to Purchase New Devices or Pay for Extended Support
In a move that has sparked controversy, Microsoft announced earlier this year an advertisement encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 to be on "the right side of risk." However, a California resident named Lawrence Klein has filed a lawsuit against the tech giant, alleging that Microsoft's plan to end Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, is an anticompetitive, unfair business practice aimed at monopolising the generative AI market.
Klein argues that Microsoft's decision to discontinue Windows 10 support is part of a strategy to force customers to purchase new devices optimised for generative artificial intelligence software like Copilot. The suit claims this tactic exposes users who do not upgrade or pay for extended support to cybersecurity risks.
The lawsuit, filed in San Diego Superior Court, seeks an injunction requiring Microsoft to continue free security updates for Windows 10 until the user base of Windows 10 falls below a "reasonable threshold" (suggested as under 10% of Windows users). Klein also demands Microsoft cover legal fees.
The complaint highlights Microsoft’s bundling of AI features with Windows 11 and Copilot+ hardware, and the hardware restrictions (e.g., TPM 2.0 requirements) that block free upgrades for many devices, effectively forcing users to buy new PCs or pay for extended security updates.
As of mid-August 2025, the lawsuit is pending, with no public rulings or settlements reported yet. Observers note some of Klein’s arguments, like the timeline criticism, have factual inaccuracies, but also acknowledge the complaint raises legitimate concerns about Microsoft’s support policy and upgrade enforcement.
Microsoft does currently offer paid extended support options for Windows 10 after October, but Klein argues this unfairly burdens users. The lawsuit is ongoing, and it seeks to stop Microsoft from ending Windows 10 support as scheduled, on the basis that the move is unfairly designed to force hardware upgrades for AI-capable PCs rather than based solely on technical or security needs.
Meanwhile, the end of Windows 10 support in a couple of months may lead many users, including businesses, to either not buy new devices or pay for extended support. This could potentially increase the risk of cyberattacks or data security incidents.
The "End of 10" group has suggested people switch to Linux instead of buying a Copilot+ PC when Windows 10 support ends. Google has also made its case for running ChromeOS, highlighting that many devices incapable of upgrading to Windows 11 can run ChromeOS.
The Public Interest Research Group claimed that the end of Windows 10 support will "cause the single biggest jump in junked computers ever." PIRG's Campaign Director, Lucas Rockett Gutterman, stated that Microsoft's forcing the transition to Windows 11 is bad for consumers and the planet.
With Windows 11 passing Windows 10 in market share recently, despite launching around four years ago, and hundreds of millions of PCs still running Windows 10, many users, including businesses, may find it challenging to make the switch. Some users prefer Windows 10 over Windows 11 or miss certain features left out or changed in the latest operating system.
Microsoft announced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing enrollment for $30 or free with syncing PC settings data to the cloud. However, the ESU program is not a long-term solution, as people eventually have to upgrade to Windows 11 or look at alternatives.
The ongoing lawsuit and the approaching end of Windows 10 support have sparked a debate about Microsoft's practices and the impact on consumers and the environment. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft responds to the allegations and how the lawsuit affects the tech giant's support policies.
- Lawrence Kleinfiled a lawsuit against Microsoft, claiming that Microsoft's plan to end Windows 10 support is an anticompetitive, unfair business practice aimed at monopolising the generative AI market.
- The lawsuit alleges that Microsoft's decision to discontinue Windows 10 support is part of a strategy to force customers to purchase new devices optimised for generative artificial intelligence software like Copilot.
- The suit claims this tactic exposes users who do not upgrade or pay for extended support to cybersecurity risks.
- Microsoft has announced an advertisement encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 to be on "the right side of risk."
- Klein also demands Microsoft cover legal fees and seeks an injunction requiring Microsoft to continue free security updates for Windows 10 until the user base of Windows 10 falls below a "reasonable threshold."
- Microsoft does currently offer paid extended support options for Windows 10 after October, but Klein argues this unfairly burdens users.
- The lawsuit is ongoing, and it seeks to stop Microsoft from ending Windows 10 support as scheduled, on the basis that the move is unfairly designed to force hardware upgrades for AI-capable PCs rather than based solely on technical or security needs.
- The Complaint highlights Microsoft’s bundling of AI features with Windows 11 and Copilot+ hardware, and the hardware restrictions that block free upgrades for many devices.
- As Windows 11 passes Windows 10 in market share and hundreds of millions of PCs still run Windows 10, many users may find it challenging to make the switch, preferring Windows 10 over Windows 11 or missing certain features left out or changed in the latest operating system.
