Microsoft Faces Lawsuit Over Ending Windows 10 Support and Forcing Upgrades to Windows 11
A legal action has been initiated against Microsoft by a Windows 10 user, alleging coercion to purchase newer devices due to the impending cessation of official security updates for the operating system. Lawrence Klein, who owns two laptops running Windows 10 that are incompatible with Windows 11, claims this move by Microsoft is intended to drive customers towards purchasing new hardware and adopting AI technology.
The lawsuit underscores Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 despite a significant user base still relying on the older OS. July statistics from Statcounter reveal that although Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10 in popularity last month, 43% of global desktop users continue to use Windows 10.
The lawsuit further contends that an estimated 240 million computers are incapable of running the Windows 11 upgrade. It alleges that Microsoft’s strategy is aimed at compelling customers to buy new hardware and adopt AI technology, such as Copilot, bundled with Windows 11 by default.
Microsoft has introduced its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to purchase additional yearly security updates for $30, extending support until October 2026. Customers who do not wish to pay this fee can opt to synchronize their Windows Backup directly with OneDrive or use Microsoft Reward program points to secure a year of updates.
The lawsuit contends that these options should have been made available to customers free of charge and should remain accessible until the popularity of Windows 10 wanes. It also demands that Microsoft disclose potential additional costs or consequences associated with ending support for all operating system versions compatible with the device at the point of purchase, and that this practice be halted for future versions of its Windows software.
This lawsuit presents an intriguing precedent for Windows 10 users. If you own a Windows 10 device, it is advisable to prepare for the end of support in October or consider purchasing a new laptop.
