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.
this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2025
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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.
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
What QOL features improved your experience?
I love the task manager and it‘s UI. It‘s just much easier to keep track of your connected devices, running programs and media playing in the background. The UI allows you to quickly adjust sound volume of programs without having to navigate through arbitrary menus. Or to navigate through a song or podcast running in the background. You can do that on a mini player from the Task manager (the equivalent to the task bar on Windows). External storage devices have a simple dismount button. No right clicks and searching for the right option necessary. There are many more little UI decisions that KDE did right. The dolphin browser and general file search functions are blazing fast. No comparison to Windows built in file browser. I also love how I can update almost all programs and drivers at the same time with one click.
There are of course some caveats but that‘s not really the OS‘ fault most of the time. For example my Discord didn‘t want to start until I update but the package wasn‘t ready yet for CachyOS. I looked for a solution online and found several options to deal with this problem. And that‘s honestly fantastic because everyone has different preferences and can use the solution that best suits them. I ended up disabling automatic updates for Discord in one file and then told Discord it‘s already on the new update by changing one digit in another file to resemble the current update. Now Discord will leave me alone with random updates and I can just update it whenever I want in Octopi (the app manager).
So what was a hiccup at first ended up being a learning experience. Now I understand my computer a little better and Discord won‘t annoy me as much anymore long term. This should be possible on Windows too but I would’ve never knew that without Linux. I‘m starting to understand what they mean by „finally owning my computer“. It takes time but it‘s very rewarding.
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.
It works and you can create a local account only
The article olympically ignores the option to install linux.
They knew Lemmy would have that covered.
Here's is how to get 3 extra years for free: https://massgrave.dev/ without Microsoft account login
Potentially 6
Wouldn't this get patched with one of their "security updates".
They seem to not care, some methods are even server side, they could have patched hwidgen a decade ago
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 am SO glad that I don't have to deal with bullshit Microsoft workarounds anymore.
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.
get the last piece of my hardware dependence off...my 20 year old DAC
The $9 Apple DAC is unironically good. I can confirm it is plug-and-play with Mint.
Edit: To be clear, it is good if you just need an audio output (the core feature of a DAC). If you want crazy DAC features, it clearly isn't it.
You can, and without microsoft pushing malware onto your system with out your consent your chances of getting hacked are probably lessened.
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.
Their always will be, because enterprises and businesses require it.
Nah. Switching to CachyOS instead.
Windows is never free.
Nobody has worked harder in the push for Linux than Microsoft.
Option 4, just install another OS that doesn't pull this BS.
When windows XP went away I got 12 more years of updates on my old dell laptop - with Linux of course. The laptop died before 32 bit support did.
Buying a new PC this weekend, going for Linux straight up