Microsoft sued over Windows 10 end-of-support: Allegations of monopoly abuse and security risks surface

Microsoft Faces Lawsuit Over Windows 10 End-of-Support, Alleging Monopoly Abuse and Security Neglect

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of leveraging its market dominance to force users into costly upgrades, thereby compromising their digital security. The suit, initiated by California resident Lawrence Klein in the San Diego Superior Court, centers on Microsoft's impending termination of support for Windows 10, scheduled for October. Klein, who owns two laptops running Windows 10, argues that this move is a deliberate strategy to push consumers toward newer devices optimized for Windows 11 and its integrated generative AI features, such as Copilot.

The Peril of Forced Obsolescence

With just three months remaining until Windows 10 support ceases, millions of users face a stark choice: purchase new hardware or pay for extended security updates. Klein's complaint highlights the significant security risks this presents, particularly for businesses holding sensitive consumer data. He contends that Microsoft is fully aware of these vulnerabilities and is knowingly exacerbating the threat landscape, not only for its direct customers but potentially for individuals who may not even use Microsoft products. This alleged long-term business strategy, aimed at solidifying market control, is painted as a direct threat to data security on a broad scale.

Demands for Extended Support and Market Share Thresholds

The lawsuit seeks a court order compelling Microsoft to continue supporting Windows 10 without additional charges until its market share drops below 10%. Such a ruling could impose substantial financial burdens on Microsoft and potentially slow the adoption of Windows 11. It's noteworthy that Windows 11, despite being released nearly four years after Windows 10, has only recently surpassed its predecessor in market share. This underscores the loyalty and widespread use of Windows 10, making its abrupt end-of-support a contentious issue.

The Environmental and Economic Fallout

Beyond the immediate security concerns, the end of Windows 10 support is expected to trigger a massive wave of hardware obsolescence. Reports indicate that millions of individuals will be compelled to buy new computers and discard their functional Windows 10 machines, leading to an estimated 240 million PCs being sent to landfills. This environmental burden is a significant collateral effect of Microsoft's upgrade strategy.

Technical Hurdles and User Frustration

Further complicating the transition, many devices are incompatible with Windows 11 due to the absence of crucial security hardware like TPM 2.0 modules, a requirement Microsoft insists upon for all future Windows versions. While workarounds exist, they often void official technical support, leaving users in a precarious security position. For those seeking continued security for their Windows 10 systems, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers a paid option at $30. However, even this solution, along with the free upgrade path, necessitates a Microsoft account – a requirement that dissuades many existing Windows 10 users, adding another layer of frustration and potential abandonment for a significant user base.