Lawrence Klein, a Southern California resident, has taken legal action against Microsoft by filing a complaint in the San Diego Superior Court. The crux of his grievance lies in Microsoft’s announcement to cease support for Windows 10 by October 14, 2025. Klein, who owns two laptops running on Windows 10, argues that this decision effectively renders his devices obsolete come that deadline.
Klein contends that Microsoft’s strategy is designed to compel customers to invest in new hardware that is optimized for the company’s suite of generative artificial intelligence (AI) software, including the popular Copilot feature that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. While the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is currently offered at no cost, a significant barrier exists for millions of users: the requirement for TPM 2.0 technology. This security feature is deemed essential by Microsoft for all future Windows versions, leaving devices without it ineligible for the upgrade.
Though there are methods to bypass the TPM 2.0 requirement, doing so means that users will not receive official support from Microsoft, complicating any potential troubleshooting or technical assistance they may need. Additionally, the Enhanced Security Updates (ESU) program, which could provide some level of continued support, necessitates a Microsoft Account. This requirement has deterred many Windows 10 users from making the leap to Windows 11, as they are reluctant to create an account.
As the deadline approaches, many users find themselves at a crossroads. For some, the only viable option appears to be investing in new devices to stay current with Microsoft’s offerings. However, an alternative path is gaining traction among a segment of the user base: transitioning to Linux. This option presents itself as a potential solution for those looking to avoid the costs associated with new hardware while still maintaining a functional operating system.
