Microsoft account log in required.
The fact that in lieu of paying them they simply want you to log in with an account they control should speak volumes to the privacy implications.
I bet if you do end up paying, you can only claim it if you make an account too…
Not something I’m willing to do, but it’s not a problem for most users who entered their email address long ago.
How about seven instead, and for free?
And without login
Yes. And using Rufus to create your install media, you can even configure it to create a local account for you so you don’t have to go through the rigmarole yourself.
Actually, I wonder if that still works with an image of the new current Win11 releases where the local account functionality has been “removed.” I haven’t tried it. Someone will probably chime in.
The article olympically ignores the option to install linux.
They knew Lemmy would have that covered.
I give my sincere condolences to anyone that is forced to use this shitty corporate OS.
Switched to CachyOS Plasma on my main machine not even two weeks go! My only regret is that I didn‘t try it sooner. It has it‘s hiccups but QoL features make up for it. It actually works better for me than Windows did since Win7. At least so far. I genuinely enjoy using my computer again.
(╭☞´ิ∀´ิ)╭☞ ayyyy
It’s not free.
How do you figure?
You are buying it with your personal data and granting them access to your computer. Even if you don’t think that’s not worth much, it is still not free. You’re just paying with something other than money.
The vast majority of people have already activated Windows with an email address. I have several friends who have done so and for them this cost nothing.
K but can we just keep using windows 10 anyways?
You can, but you won’t be getting security updates. Best to not put an OS without security updates on the network.
If you want to delay your switch to Linux, there are scripts to enroll in the ESU, but unfortunately the local account script stopped working on the one I used. Have not tested massgravel’s. Other options are to get Win 10 LTSC, or keep your system disconnected from the Internet.
An aside: My main desktop is Linux but I am currently trying Winboat to get the last piece of my hardware dependence off (my 20 year old DAC and rocksmith 2014) to work. Then, I can finally nuke Windows off of my secondary laptop because I’m sure as hell not giving it Win 11.
My dude just get a compatible dac (I use focusrite scarlet) and play rocksmith with Proton flawlessly
Maybe as a Christmas gift to myself. My current one is an EIE pro that came with my guitar second hand. The linux “driver” only sort of works.
You can, and without microsoft pushing malware onto your system with out your consent your chances of getting hacked are probably lessened.
Yeah, but what if we all just install Linux?
That’s a great idea! Which distro are we all installing?
If serious, whichever one works best for you. Lots of info out there to help steer you to a good match. There are some that will have a harder time than others thanks to Microsoft domination all these years.
If not serious. Arch, of course.
For a desktop OS, I have been recommending Linux Mint to new Linux users. The UI feels familiar to a Windows veteran, and the initial setup is designed to be user friendly.
However, don’t fret too much over it. Distros are mostly just a pre-configuration of the OS, all of them can do everything.
I’ve distro hopped back to Mint and stayed on Mint over a year now. I think Mint being beginner-friendly kind of makes it a victim of its own success, because as someone who has been using Linux several years, Ubuntu without Snaps and a highly polished UX is pretty ideal. PopOS has the same value proposition, but I like Cinnamon way better than Cosmic, or even KDE.
Microsoft account log in required.
Shhhh, no one tell them there is a free way without a Microsoft account.
There is for now. Microsoft is working on closing the various loopholes.
how?
I am SO glad that I don’t have to deal with bullshit Microsoft workarounds anymore.
Everyone is making a big deal about support ending but it doesn’t fucking matter anyway. You PC is not going to suddenly stop working you just wont get updates. Considering the updates microsoft pushes now days are loaded with malware and spyware anyway it’s all a wash if you keep using 10.
The issue isn’t it not working, the issue is security updates no longer being made. Feel free to keep using 10, just don’t put it on the network.
With the rate of CVEs scored at 9+ that come across all the stuff I manage at work I would not agree.
It would be foolish to simply stop patching this giant pile of obsolete insecure dependencies they are calling windows.
A lot of CVEs are overrated, but yeah I still wouldn’t do it. It only takes one.
