Latest news with #LawrenceKlein
Mint
19 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Microsoft faces lawsuit over Windows 10 support cutoff
A California man named Lawrence Klein has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft regarding the company's plan to end free support and updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Klein owns two laptops running Windows 10 that cannot be updated to the latest version because of hardware limitations. He claims that with this decision, Microsoft is forcing users to buy a new device with Windows 11 or pay $30 a year for extended support. Klein also claims that this puts millions of users who couldn't upgrade to Windows 11 at risk of cyberattacks or data breaches once the security updates stop. Klein alleges that this move to end support for Windows 10 is part of a strategy to push users to upgrade to new AI-powered devices running Windows 11. Windows 11 requires hardware such as a neural processing unit to get the AI features working, and since many devices do not meet this requirement, users are forced to buy a new device that comes with these features preinstalled. His lawsuit seeks a court order requiring Microsoft to continue offering free security updates and support until fewer than 10% of Windows users remain on this OS. He also demands that Microsoft provide clear disclosure of the support timelines at the point of sale. This will give the buyer a clear view of the costs and security risks once the support ends. He warns that this abrupt ending of support and security updates not only risks the security of millions of PCs running Windows 10 but also harms the environment by increasing electronic waste due to the premature discarding of otherwise functional devices. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to the latest Windows version if the hardware supports it or buy an entirely new device running the latest Windows 11. The lawsuit highlights that this end-of-life deadline forces difficult choices on users: whether to upgrade to Windows 11, pay a subscription fee to get extended support, buy a new device, or face the risk of running less secure and unsupported software.
Digital Trends
2 days ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
California man sues Microsoft to keep Windows 10 running until usage falls below 10%
A California man is suing Microsoft, alleging that ending Windows 10 support is an anticompetitive move to force users into buying new PCs, creating a captive market for its AI-powered services. What's happened? California resident Lawrence Klein has filed a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft. The suit centers on Microsoft's plan to officially end support and security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Klein alleges this creates forced obsolescence for PCs that cannot meet the strict hardware requirements for Windows 11. The lawsuit's central claim is that this strategy is not about security or technology, but about forcing users onto new Copilot+ PCs that are optimized to run Microsoft's generative AI software. The plaintiff argues this is an attempt by Microsoft to leverage its operating system dominance to unfairly control the emerging AI market. Klein wants Microsoft to continue offering free Windows 10 support until its share of all Windows installations drops below 10%, a significant gap from the current market share of 43%. Recommended Videos This is important because: It directly challenges the tech industry practice of phasing out older software and hardware, potentially setting a new legal precedent. An estimated 240 million PCs are expected to become obsolete, creating significant electronic waste and financial burdens for consumers and businesses. The lawsuit highlights the growing link between hardware, software, and the race for AI dominance, questioning whether consumers are being forced into an ecosystem they didn't choose. With nearly half of all Windows users still on Windows 10, the end of support poses a major cybersecurity risk for a massive global user base. Why should I care? If your current PC runs Windows 10 but can't upgrade to Windows 11, it will stop receiving free security updates after October 14, leaving it vulnerable to viruses and malware. Users will now have to face a choice, either buy a new computer, pay Microsoft an annual fee for Extended Security Updates (ESU), or risk using an insecure device. The cost of the ESU program for individuals is expected to increase each year, making it an expensive temporary fix. This situation could force you into an unplanned and potentially costly hardware upgrade simply to maintain a secure computer. What's next? Microsoft has not yet publicly responded to the specifics of the lawsuit. The case will proceed through the legal system, but a resolution is unlikely before the October 2025 deadline. Windows 10 users on ineligible hardware must decide in the weeks whether to purchase a new PC, pay for extended support, or switch to an alternative operating system. The outcome of this lawsuit could influence how major tech companies manage future software transitions and their responsibilities to their existing customers.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft faces lawsuit over Windows 10 support deadline that allegedly leaves users at ‘heightened risk of…'
Microsoft is facing a lawsuit in California as it plans to end free support for Windows 10. The software giant recently announced that it will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. According to a Forbes report, Lawrence Klein, who owns two Windows 10 laptops, has filed a complaint against the 50-year-old tech giant warning that 'many millions of users will not buy new devices or pay for extended support,' leaving them 'at a heightened risk of a cyberattack or other data security incident.' Klein reportedly owns two Windows 10 laptops that will become obsolete in eight weeks. He wants the court to order Microsoft to keep offering free support until the number of active Windows 10 devices falls 'below a reasonable threshold.' Microsoft to end support for Windows 10 in October In a support page, Microsoft said 'As a reminder, Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. At this point technical assistance, feature updates and security updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 10, we recommend upgrading them to Windows 11- a more modern, secure, and highly efficient computing experience.' About 45% of all Windows users—roughly 700 million devices—are still running Windows 10. That figure had been declining but rose again after Microsoft introduced different support extension plans. What the lawsuit against Microsoft allege Lawrence Klein claims Microsoft decided to end Windows 10 when it still held the majority market share, forcing about 240 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11 to either buy new devices or pay for extended support. 'Windows 10 users represented more than half of the Windows operating system (OS) market share,' he said. According to Klein, Microsoft's 'long-term business strategy' could jeopardize not just its own customers but also people who do not use Microsoft products, due to wider cybersecurity risks. What are options for staying supported on a Windows operating system As listed by the company on its support page, users have following options: Installing Windows 11 on your current PC - If your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and is eligible to upgrade directly to Windows 11, you might have already received a notification about upgrading. To check if your PC is eligible for the free upgrade go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. New PC with Windows 11 - If your PC is not eligible, or if you want a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed, you might want to start by exploring the latest Windows 11 PCs. This tool will help you find the right PC based on your unique needs. Extended Security Updates (ESU) program - If you need more time before moving to a Copilot+ PC or other new Windows 11 device, the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can protect your Windows 10 device up to a year after October 14, 2025. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Microsoft Faces Legal Trouble For Ending Windows 10 Support For PCs This Year
Microsoft is ending Windows 10 support in October this year and some people are not happy with their situation with the free upgrade. Microsoft's Windows 10 end of support deadline could finally get some legal action. The company decided that millions of PCs are not capable of running the new Windows 11 free version, and they might have to upgrade and spend more money on a new PC just to get the latest platform. These decisions have been made without any input for the consumers, who are now reportedly knocking on the doors of the legal bodies to get some reprieve. The legal case has been filed by a user, quoted in this report, who is clearly looking to take the Windows maker to court. The report by Courthouse News Service has credited the case to one Lawrence Klein who is clearly agitated by this decision. The report says Klein has two Windows 10 laptops and both of them are not compatible for the Windows 11 upgrade, which means he either keeps using it for one year (for a small charge) or spends big for a new machine. He also accused the company of monopolising the generative AI PC market, making people buy the new Windows 11 PCs with its Copilot features pre-installed. His case further suggests that Microsoft should not end support for Windows 10 until its market share drops below 10 percent, which is unlikely to happen in the next few quarters, since its current hold stands at well over 40 percent, as cited by the plaintiff in his lawsuit. He also points out the obvious security risks that millions of PCs will face because Microsoft will cut support for these machines in the next few months. The company does have a free way for you to get the free Windows 10 update, which it says includes redeeming 1000 Microsoft Reward points or if you backup all your data to the Windows Backup cloud app. And how does one get these points? The company says you need a Microsoft account and earn points by using Bing to search the web, shop at the Microsoft Store, play Xbox games, and complete other tasks. That does look simple but getting 1000 points will need heavy activity, especially before the October 2025 deadline closes in. We're not sure where this lawsuit will go and it is unlikely that Microsoft will change its hand at the last junction of its deadline, unless the court really takes its case. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Microsoft Sued For Killing Windows 10—All Users Must Act Now
Microsoft knows 'many millions of users will not buy new devices or pay for extended support' when Windows 10 goes end of life in October, a new lawsuit alleges. 'These users,' it claims, 'will be at a heightened risk of a cyberattack or other data security incident, a reality of which Microsoft is well aware.' The lawsuit filed in California by Lawrence Klein, the owner of two Windows 10 laptops set to become obsolete in 8 weeks, 'seeks injunctive relief requiring Microsoft to continue providing support for Windows 10 without additional fees or conditions until the number of devices running the operating system falls below a reasonable threshold.' Around 45% of all Windows users are still on the soon to be obsolete version of the OS and must now act to ensure PCs are safe from attack. That number was dropping, albeit it has seen a reverse following Microsoft's decision to offer varying support extensions. That means 700 million users will be affected come October 14. Klein says Microsoft decided to kill the older OS when 'Windows 10 users represented more than half of the Windows operating system (OS) market share.' He also references the 240 million PCs that cannot upgrade, 'forcing' users to 'buy new devices capable of running Windows 11 or pay unanticipated sums for extended support.' Putting upgrade costs aside, the security risks are clear. Microsoft's 'long-term business strategy' Klein says, 'will have the effect of jeopardizing data security not only of Microsoft's customers but also of persons who may not use Microsoft's products at all.' Windows 10 users can now extend support by paying between $30 and $60 or by for free subject to certain parameters. That support extension is available to all Windows 10 users, whether or not their PCs meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Arguably, a better solution would be to extend Windows 10 support for free for PCs that can't upgrade, while mandating the upgrade for those that can. This lawsuit is the latest twist in a the windy road Windows 10 users have followed for the last year. Klein claims Microsoft's primary intent in killing Windows 10 is ' to force its customers to purchase new devices optimized to run Microsoft's suite of generative AI software such as Copilot, which comes bundled with Windows 11 by default.' This approach, Klein's lawsuit says, has the 'inevitable effect of decreasing trade in generative AI products of Microsoft's competitors, increasing the barriers to entry in the generative AI market, and dampening innovation and consumer choice.' Klein wants Windows 10 to be supported until less than 10% of the Windows user base is using that version of the OS. That means more than 600 million more PCs upgrading to Windows 11. That will take some considerable time. I have approached Microsoft for any response to the lawsuit.
