We understand that moving to a new PC can take time,” Microsoft says, “and we’re here to support you throughout the process.
actually i installed linux mint over windows on a friday evening and it wasn't that time consuming at all.
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So thankful Steam made Linux a viable option. Made the switch 6 months ago. Haven’t found a game I can’t run yet. Computer overall runs smoother even.
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If you really definitely gotta stick with windows for some reason: LTSC + massgrave for activation
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Fuck em. Install Linux.
As I warned might happen, this free ESU u-turn has triggered a reversal in Windows 11’s recent fortunes, at least according to Statcounter’s indicative data. And while it’s still marginally head of its retiring sibling, Windows 11 is moving in the wrong direction. A free ESU is laudable, but it should have been limited to PCs that cannot upgrade.
Go fuck yourself, Forbes and contributor Zak Doffman.
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There are ads in Windows even if you pay extra for the Pro version.....
God, they are finding even more places to add ads?!?
The only free Windows update is to install Linux.
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I wonder if the Tarrif + linux news might be spooking them a bit.
The best message I see on my gaming PC is "Your system does not meet the requirements for Windows 11" 🤗
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Also switched to Linux (popos) this month. It's been fine. Games work. Browser works. No complaints, really.
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I installed Bazzite last June. That the local account is just a fact of life made the installation process easier than Windows. KDE (the interface) feels snappier than Windows. Also, the auto-hide Start menu doesn't get stuck anymore. The Win 11 Start menu won't hide when you want them to, and hides when you didn't want it to every single time you accidentally move the mouse cursor to the bottom. I hate that I had to reach for the keyboard every time, while watching videos and such. That drove me nuts. When your wi-fi or bluetooth is not working, Win10 and 11 love to pretend they don't exist, so you can't fix them unless you reboot. So many things they can fix, but most of their project teams are probably focused on adding new bullshit or integrating Office/Teams/Copilot into everything, because the OS is no longer the product.
I've been running unactivated win 10 for years. The ad in Windows update saying 11 is free has been there for months. I tried installing it and... It's a lie.
The windows 11 installer is hot garbage if you're not a mono windows set-up.
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Microsoft has expanded its free Extended Security Updates (ESU) offer to millions more Windows 10 users. Following the mandatory KB5063709 update, users can now see an “Enroll in Extended Support Updates” option, valid until October 2026. While paid plans start at $30 for up to 10 PCs, most users will likely choose the free offer, linking ESU to their Microsoft account and OneDrive.
The program aims to protect Windows 10 devices after official support ends, helping users transition to newer systems. Microsoft acknowledges that moving to a new PC can take time, and the ESU is meant to bridge that gap. Although an earlier bug caused crashes in the enrollment wizard, this issue has now been fixed.
However, the free ESU may slow Windows 11 adoption. Recent market share data from Statcounter suggests the shift from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has stalled, with the latter even losing ground. Critics argue that free ESU should have been limited to PCs unable to upgrade.
Separately, Microsoft warns that Windows 11 version 23H2 will reach end of support on November 11, 2025. Users must upgrade to version 24H2 or 25H2 to continue receiving security updates.
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Win 10 IoT LTSC 2021 is supported until 2032. the ESU is literally just security updates they will be doing anyway.
if you have any windows software that can't be replaced and needs to be online running IoT is one solution.
protip: Windows runs faster under a VM in Linux than on bare metal. True facts.
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XP was when they jumped the shark, moved away and to Linux then. It is waaaay too late to give a shit what Microsoft does.
I want to switch to Linux but 3 things hold me back atm ,
My sound card having only very basic support under Linux.
Lossless scaling being more a limited hobby project under Linux.
And gamepass not working
And maybe a few games which won't work due to ac.
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