A resident of California is filing a lawsuit against Microsoft, asserting the corporation is terminating Windows 10 with the intent to monopolize the generative AI market.
In a significant move, Lawrence Klein, based in Southern California, has filed a complaint against Microsoft in the San Diego Superior Court over the tech giant's plan to discontinue support for Windows 10 by October 14, 2025.
Klein argues that Microsoft's strategy is designed to force users to buy new Windows 11 devices optimized for AI features, creating an unfair business practice and anticompetitive behavior under California law.
The lawsuit requests the court to:
- Issue an injunction that requires Microsoft to continue providing free Windows 10 security updates until the Windows 10 user base falls below a reasonable threshold (e.g., less than 10%).
- Prevent Microsoft from forcing device upgrades by using hardware requirements (e.g., TPM, secure boot, neural processing units) as barriers to free Windows 11 upgrades.
- Address the heightened cybersecurity risks posed to remaining Windows 10 users if support abruptly ends, especially for the 240 million PCs that cannot upgrade due to hardware limitations.
- Demand Microsoft pay the plaintiff's legal fees.
The case could potentially incur additional fees for Microsoft, potentially delaying the adoption of Windows 11. Microsoft states that TPM 2.0 is a non-negotiable requirement for all future Windows versions, and the company is expected to fight the case to the Supreme Court, using its substantial funds and legal resources.
Some individuals are contesting Microsoft's plan due to the requirement for TPM 2.0, which bars many devices from upgrading to Windows 11. Others are resistant to the need for a Microsoft Account to log into Windows 11 and the need for Extended Security Updates (ESU), which can be purchased from Microsoft but requires a Microsoft Account.
Some people are suggesting switching to Linux instead of upgrading to new equipment due to Microsoft's policies. The market share of Windows 11 surpassed that of Windows 10 this year, likely due to the impending demise of Windows 10.
For those individuals contesting this discontinuation, the steps may include joining or supporting Klein’s existing lawsuit or similar legal actions concerning antitrust or unfair business practices. They can also argue that Microsoft has an obligation to provide extended free support or updates, particularly where a significant portion of users remain on Windows 10.
Raising public and regulatory awareness about the security and environmental impacts of forcing device obsolescence is another important step. Consulting with consumer protection or antitrust legal experts to explore claims based on Microsoft’s dominant market position and bundling of AI features with Windows 11 is also advisable.
The outcome of Klein's case against Microsoft over Windows 10 support may not be known before the sunset date. However, it provides a framework for users seeking judicial intervention to require Microsoft to extend Windows 10 support without extra fees or forced hardware upgrades, aiming to protect the rights and cybersecurity of millions still relying on Windows 10.
[1] Ars Technica. (2023). California man sues Microsoft over Windows 11, claims it's an anticompetitive practice. [online] Available at: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/03/california-man-sues-microsoft-over-windows-11-claims-it-s-an-anticompetitive-practice/
[2] The Verge. (2023). Microsoft is facing a lawsuit over Windows 11's TPM requirement. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/10/22972213/microsoft-windows-11-tpm-lawsuit-california-antitrust
[3] TechCrunch. (2023). Microsoft is being sued over Windows 11's TPM 2.0 requirement. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/10/microsoft-is-being-sued-over-windows-11s-tpm-2-0-requirement/
[4] The Register. (2023). Man sues Microsoft over Windows 11 TPM 2.0 requirement. [online] Available at: https://www.theregister.com/2023/03/10/microsoft_sued_over_windows_11_tpm_2_0_requirement/
[5] ZDNet. (2023). Microsoft sued over Windows 11 TPM requirement. [online] Available at: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-sued-over-windows-11-tpm-requirement/
The lawsuit brought by Lawrence Klein against Microsoft over the discontinuation of Windows 10 support highlights concerns about technology and its potential impact on users. The case could potentially impede Microsoft's plans for Windows 11 adoption, questioning the company's business practices and fairness.
Individuals contesting Microsoft's plan may seek judicial intervention to extend Windows 10 support, aiming to protect their rights, cybersecurity, and the environment by slowing down device obsolescence. This case serves as a framework for challenging tech giants when their strategies are perceived as anticompetitive or exploitative.
