- San Diego resident Lawrence Klein sues Microsoft over end of support Windows 10.
- Request free support until the Windows 10 market share drops below 10% and for greater transparency.
- He claims pressure to migrate to Windows 11 for requirements such as TPM 2.0 and by the push of the Generative AI (Copilot, NPUs).
- The ESU program adds costs: starting at $30 for individuals and business rates that escalate to $244 in the third year.
A California citizen has taken Microsoft to court over the withdrawal of support for Windows 10, a decision that, according to his lawsuit, leaves millions of users in a precarious situation and encourages a hasty migration to Windows 11.
The plaintiff, identified as Lawrence Klein by Courthouse News Service, argues that the support end date — October 14, 2025 — will create a security and cost problem for homes and businesses that still rely on fully functional Windows 10 computers.
Microsoft on trial over end of Windows 10 support
The legal action was filed in the Superior Court of San Diego and is based, among other things, on the California Business and Professions Code, section 17200 , which protects consumers from practices considered illegal, unfair, or deceptive.
Klein is asking a judge to order Microsoft to extend Windows 10 support at no cost until its usage falls below 10% of all Windows PCs, arguing that the cut comes while the system still maintains a massive presence.
The lawsuit also demands explicit clarification regarding the impact of continuing to use Windows 10 after the deadline and an end to any advertising that, in its view, could mislead users about their actual options.
Importantly, the plaintiff is not seeking personal compensation: he is demanding that Microsoft cover only the legal costs arising from the process.
The arguments: pressure to migrate and the race for AI
Klein states that the end-of-support decision pushes users to buy new equipment or pay for extended support, particularly because many computers do not meet the requirements of Windows 11 , including the TPM 2.0 security module.
According to the document, Microsoft's strategy aims to consolidate an ecosystem in Windows 11 more closely linked to generative AI , with features like Copilot and a new generation of devices that use NPUs , which would give the company a competitive advantage in that market.
Alongside the end of support, the company has offered continuity options through Extended Security Updates (ESU) , a paid program that guarantees critical patches for an additional period.
The documentation cited by media and technical communities indicates that, for users, rates start at $30 in the first year, while for companies the amounts increase annually and can reach $244 in the third year.
The lawsuit also states that Microsoft has promoted ways to pay for ESU with money or Microsoft Rewards points and that, in some cases, an additional year at no cost has been offered if the user links their account and activates the application to sync settings.
Risks to security and the business fabric
Klein warns that by closing the patch window, millions of computers could be exposed to vulnerabilities if their owners decide not to pay for the ESU or upgrade their hardware in the short term.
The document emphasizes the impact on businesses with sensitive data , which would be forced to accelerate migrations or face unforeseen costs to protect their infrastructure and comply with security standards.
The plaintiff claims that this measure will have collateral effects on the environment , by accelerating the replacement of fully operational devices and thus increasing electronic waste.
According to their estimates, more than 240 million devices worldwide could be affected by the decision, many without the option to upgrade to Windows 11.
Usage figures, dates, and what's at stake
According to the report, Windows 10 maintained an approximate market share of 52,94% among Windows users in April 2025 , demonstrating that support is withdrawn while the system is still the majority.
Microsoft's general support ends on October 14, 2025 ; after that date, those who continue using Windows 10 will depend on ESU, look for other alternatives, or upgrade their hardware.
It is requested that, in addition to extending free support until usage is less than 10%, Microsoft be required to provide clear and prominent information about the timeframes and risks involved in selling Windows devices.
It is also requested that changes be considered that would reduce the requirements of Windows 11 on older, still functional computers, thus facilitating a cost-free migration for more users.
What could happen now
If the lawsuit goes forward, the case could set a precedent for how far a technology company can reduce its support cycles for mass-market products without offering reasonable transitions.
The final outcome will depend on the court's assessment of whether there is an unfair or deceptive practice and how they balance consumer rights with Microsoft's business strategy.
The process continues in California, with a clear focus on whether the company should extend support for Windows 10 under more favorable conditions or provide more accurate information about the consequences of not upgrading, while millions of users and businesses seek safe and affordable options to stay up to date.
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