The countdown to the end of Windows 10 support has entered its final two months, and frustration among users is mounting. In Southern California, one user has escalated that frustration into a lawsuit against Microsoft. According to a news report, plaintiff Lawrence Klein contends that the company’s decision to retire Windows 10 now is unreasonable, particularly since Windows 11 adoption remains comparatively low. Klein accuses Microsoft of attempting to force hardware upgrades and steer customers toward new products, all while consolidating its position in the growing generative AI industry.
Klein owns two laptops still running Windows 10 and says his case is not about money—he is not seeking damages. Instead, he demands that Microsoft continue providing free updates until fewer than 10 percent of Windows PCs are running the older OS. At present, market data from Statcounter shows Windows 10 holds around 43 percent share, with Windows 11 finally overtaking it in August after a near tie in July. Many of those remaining on Windows 10 are unable to upgrade due to Windows 11’s strict system requirements, leaving them with little choice but to replace functional hardware.
Beyond personal inconvenience, Klein’s complaint touches on broader concerns. He warns that Microsoft’s decision will result in millions of still-usable PCs being discarded prematurely, adding to global e-waste and harming the environment. More critically, the end of security updates leaves users vulnerable to cyberthreats—especially companies that handle sensitive data. In his filing, Klein argues that Microsoft’s market dominance strategy could endanger the privacy and security of people who don’t even use the company’s products.
Whether this legal challenge can succeed is unclear, especially as Microsoft has already introduced alternatives for continued support. The company offers one additional year of free updates if users back up their settings with Windows Backup, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or purchase a $30 Extended Security Update package that covers 10 devices. While these measures may help, they do not address Klein’s main demand for extended free support. For now, Microsoft has made no public comment on the lawsuit, but most industry observers doubt it will alter the company’s timeline.