Microsoft is set to discontinue support for its decade-old operating system Windows 10 in nearly two months, but millions of users are still clinging to the outdated software. A Southern California man has sued the company, claiming that the move will force customers to purchase new devices and compromise data security.
According to StatCounter, nearly 43% of Windows users still use Windows 10, despite its age. However, Microsoft’s decision to end support for the operating system in October means that users will no longer receive new features or security updates. This could lead to a significant increase in malware and virus infections.
The plaintiff, Lawrence Klein, claims that Microsoft is using this strategy to monopolize the generative AI market with its newer Windows 11 operating system, which includes the chatbot Copilot. To run optimally, Microsoft’s AI needs specialized hardware, such as neural processing units, which are not found in older devices.
Klein argues that without support for Windows 10, users will be at risk of cyberattacks and data security incidents, particularly businesses storing sensitive consumer data. He is asking the court to order Microsoft to continue supporting Windows 10 without additional charge until the number of devices running the older operating system falls below 10% of total Windows users.
The lawsuit comes as Microsoft’s shift away from Windows 10 leads an estimated 240 million personal computers to be discarded, with some analysts predicting that this could lead to a massive environmental impact.
Source: https://www.courthousenews.com/microsoft-sued-for-discontinuing-windows-10-support