Microsoft Sued Over Windows 10 Support Termination, Alleged Data Risks

Microsoft faces a lawsuit from California resident Lawrence Klein, who accuses the company of knowingly jeopardizing user data by ending Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. The suit, filed under ID 25CU041477C, claims Microsoft’s decision to discontinue updates is a strategic move to monopolize the generative AI market, forcing users to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase new devices equipped with its Copilot AI software.

Klein, who owns two Windows 10 laptops ineligible for the Windows 11 upgrade, argues that the end of support will leave approximately 400 million users—many with sensitive consumer data—vulnerable to cyberattacks. The lawsuit asserts that Microsoft is aware of these risks, particularly for the 240 million PCs that cannot meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. Klein seeks an injunction to extend free Windows 10 support until the operating system’s user base falls below a reasonable threshold, potentially less than 10%.

The case highlights Microsoft’s recent push for AI-optimized PCs, with Windows 11 bundling Copilot by default, a feature that relies on neural processing units (NPUs) absent in older hardware. Critics, including Klein, contend this shift prioritizes market dominance over user security, especially as extended support options—priced between $30 and $60 or free with cloud data syncing—may not be viable for all. Microsoft has offered guidance for upgrading but has not commented on the lawsuit.

The controversy coincides with broader tech security concerns, including recent vulnerabilities in enterprise software like Exchange Server and debates over foreign influence in U.S. tech infrastructure. With support ending in just over two months, the lawsuit underscores the tension between technological advancement and legacy system security.