A Southern California resident has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft Corp., alleging that the tech giant’s decision to end support for Windows 10 will render millions of devices obsolete and expose users to significant security risks. The complaint, lodged in San Diego Superior Court, comes as Microsoft prepares to halt free security updates and feature enhancements for the operating system on Oct. 14, 2025, a move that could force consumers and businesses to upgrade hardware or pay for extended support.

Plaintiff Lawrence Klein, who owns two laptops incompatible with Windows 11 due to stringent hardware requirements like TPM 2.0 chips, argues that Microsoft’s strategy is anticompetitive. He claims the company is deliberately pushing users toward Windows 11 to dominate the burgeoning generative AI market, particularly through its integrated Copilot AI tools, which are not available on older systems.

The Antitrust Angle and Market Dominance

According to details in the complaint, Klein accuses Microsoft of violating California’s Unfair Competition Law by creating artificial barriers to entry. He points out that nearly 43% of Windows users still rely on version 10, per market data from StatCounter, and that ending support will leave them vulnerable to cyberattacks without ongoing patches.

The suit seeks an injunction to compel Microsoft to continue free support indefinitely, or at least until compatible upgrades are feasible without discarding functional hardware. Klein’s filing highlights environmental concerns, estimating that the policy could generate massive electronic waste as users abandon devices that can’t meet Windows 11’s specs.

Hardware Hurdles and User Backlash

Industry analysts note that Windows 10, launched in 2015, has been a staple for over a billion devices worldwide. Microsoft’s shift to Windows 11, introduced in 2021, requires modern processors and security features that exclude many older machines, a decision that has drawn criticism for planned obsolescence.

In response to similar user concerns, Microsoft has offered paid extended security updates for Windows 10, starting at $30 per year for consumers, but this option requires linking devices to a Microsoft account—a mandate that has irked privacy advocates. The lawsuit echoes broader frustrations, with Klein asserting that the company is “knowingly jeopardizing” user data to boost sales of new PCs and AI-driven software.

Broader Implications for Tech Giants

This legal challenge arrives amid heightened scrutiny of Big Tech’s practices, including antitrust probes into Microsoft’s integrations with services like Azure and OpenAI. As reported by Courthouse News Service, the case could set precedents for how software firms handle end-of-life support, especially in an era where AI capabilities are becoming table stakes.

For enterprises, the stakes are high: Many organizations, from small businesses to government agencies, face costly migrations. Microsoft’s announcement of the support cutoff, reiterated on its official channels, positions Windows 11 as the secure future, but critics argue it prioritizes profit over sustainability.

Potential Outcomes and Industry Ripples

If successful, the suit could delay or alter Microsoft’s timeline, potentially benefiting competitors like Linux distributions that offer longer support cycles. However, legal experts doubt a full injunction, given precedents where courts have upheld companies’ rights to phase out legacy products.

Microsoft has yet to comment publicly on the litigation, but insiders suggest the company views it as meritless, emphasizing its extended support options. As the case unfolds, it underscores tensions between innovation and consumer protection in the software sector, where rapid advancements often leave users behind. With the deadline looming, millions may soon weigh the costs of upgrading versus risking outdated systems.