On October 14, 2025, technical assistance and software updates for Windows 10 will no longer be available. If you continue using Windows 10 beyond this date without taking additional measures, your system won’t get further updates or support. However, if you wish to keep receiving extended security updates, there are options available for purchasing an extension.
A number of individuals have voiced displeasure over Microsoft’s launch of Windows 11 and the conclusion of Windows 10 updates, but one individual took action by filing a lawsuit against the tech company. Lawrence Klein submitted a complaint in San Diego, California, arguing that Microsoft is using the end of Windows 10 support as a means to encourage people to buy new devices instead.
Microsoft’s choice to end support for Windows 10, even though many consumers were still using it, was a strategic move aimed at encouraging customers to buy new devices pre-installed with Microsoft’s AI software like Copilot, which is included with Windows 11 by default.
As an analyst, I would rephrase that statement as follows: In the ongoing lawsuit, I contend that Microsoft leverages its leading position in the operating system sector to promote devices tailored for generative AI technologies.
Klein advocates for a mandate that Microsoft offers ongoing, fee-free support for Windows 10 without any restrictions, until fewer than 10% of its users have upgraded to the latest operating system version.
To get a comprehensive understanding of Klein’s case, you might want to delve into the entire lawsuit, where you’ll find all his arguments presented. While I think numerous assertions in the suit hold weight, there seem to be some errors in the documentation. For instance, Klein asserts that Microsoft announced last year (around now) that they would discontinue support for Windows 10 devices effective October 14, 2025. However, it’s worth verifying this claim, as I’m unsure about its accuracy at present.
For quite some time now, the end-of-support date for Windows 10 has been widely publicized. By the time news about this date circulated in 2021, it had already been a known fact for a while.
Slow Windows 11 adoption
Approximately four years ago, Windows 11 was released, however, it didn’t overtake the market share of Windows 10 until quite recently. This aggressive move by Microsoft to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 has sparked some controversy.
Even though Windows 10 support is set to conclude within a few months, an impressive number of personal computers continue to operate on the earlier version. A significant portion of these devices find themselves limited by the stringent minimal system requirements imposed by the Windows 10 operating system.
Some individuals find Windows 10 more appealing than Windows 11 due to specific features they value, which Microsoft chose not to include or altered in the development of their newest OS.
As an observer, I find myself noticing a significant concern among many users: the impending end of Windows 10 support may deter them from purchasing new devices. This lawsuit sheds light on this potential issue.
In about three months, the support for Windows 10 will conclude, and it’s expected that a large number of users won’t upgrade to new devices or purchase extended support. This group includes businesses that hold sensitive consumer information, and they could find themselves in a vulnerable position regarding cyberattacks or data breaches. Microsoft is cognizant of this potential risk.
It’s accurate that Klein is pointing out Microsoft acknowledges the security issues associated with operating unsupported software, as evidenced by their recent advertisement urging users to move to Windows 11 in order to be on the safer side by managing risks more effectively.
That ad, like other Microsoft tactics pushing people to upgrade, was met with criticism from many.
In simpler terms, LanceUzminski on YouTube expressed that it’s quite irrational to leverage the expiration of an older operating system as a marketing tactic for a newer one.
In 2023, the Public Interest Research Group asserted that the discontinuation of Windows 10 support would result in the largest increase in discarded computers to date. They contended that Microsoft’s advocacy for sustainability was contradictory, as their decision to stop supporting PCs effectively transformed them into electronic waste.
According to Lucas Rockett Gutterman, the campaign director at PIRG, it’s unexpected that Microsoft is compelling users to switch to Windows 11, considering their previous actions. This move seems detrimental not only for consumers but also for the environment as it contributes to the escalating issue of electronic waste due to outdated computers.
Alternatives to Windows
Although both Microsoft and Klein acknowledge that using an unsupported operating system can heighten security issues, they propose distinct approaches to tackle this problem.
Microsoft’s approach necessitates individuals either buying a new computer, investing in prolonged technical assistance, or fulfilling specific criteria to receive extended security upgrades for a temporary period.
As those choices aren’t suitable substitutes for a vast number of individuals, other businesses have taken the initiative to bridge the gap. For instance, Google recently presented its argument for ChromeOS, emphasizing that it can be operated on numerous devices that are unable to upgrade to Windows 11.
It’s not unprecedented for Klein to suggest that Microsoft might need to reconsider their approach regarding the termination of Windows 10 support. In contrast, the “End of 10” collective proposes that, instead of purchasing a Copilot+ PC once Windows 10 support ceases, users may want to consider transitioning to Linux as an alternative.
Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
Microsoft hasn’t made any changes to the minimum system requirements for Windows 10 nor has it postponed the end-of-support deadline. However, they have unveiled a new program called Extended Security Updates (ESU), offering users an opportunity to enroll.
As an observer, I might rephrase that as follows:
“If your computer is currently running Windows 10 and you’re not keen on upgrading to Windows 11, you have the opportunity to join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a fee of $30. Alternatively, there’s a free enrollment option available, but it necessitates syncing your PC settings data to the cloud using a Microsoft account.
Although the ESU program provides a temporary respite from immediately upgrading to Windows 11, it’s essential to recognize that this is not a permanent solution. Eventually, users will need to upgrade to Windows 11 or consider alternative operating systems. As Kevin Okemwa stated, the additional year of security updates can be likened to a “last-minute snooze button.
I wonder if Klein’s lawsuit and other complaints will prompt Microsoft to take substantial steps. I’m not expecting Microsoft to alter their end-of-support date for Windows 10, but I didn’t anticipate they’d provide complimentary extended security updates either.
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2025-08-11 16:11