forced updates Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

I don’t trust Windows Update anymore, and you shouldn’t either

Windows Update is essential for Windows 11, providing security patches, enhancements, and new features. Updates are released monthly on Patch Tuesday and are mandatory, with users facing automatic downloads and prompts for restarts. Recent updates have caused significant issues like boot failures, indicating a trend where updates introduce new problems. Users have limited control over updates, with only brief postponements allowed. Despite these challenges, updates are crucial for security and user experience. Users can pause updates to avoid immediate issues, and there is hope for improved testing protocols from Microsoft.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

KDE appeals to Windows 10 ‘exiles’

KDE has launched a campaign called "KDE for Windows 10 Exiles" in response to the end of support for Windows 10, which will occur on October 14. The campaign warns users that while Windows 10 will still function after this date, the lack of updates will lead to performance and security declines, increasing risks of hacking. Users face a choice between switching to the Long Term Servicing Channel, paying for extended security updates, or upgrading to Windows 11, which many are reluctant to do due to various reasons, including corporate policies and hardware incompatibility. KDE advocates for transitioning to Linux, specifically its Plasma Desktop environment, emphasizing its user-friendliness and visual appeal. While installing Linux has become easier, KDE advises users to seek help from Linux enthusiasts for a smooth transition. Once installed, KDE claims users will experience fewer data collection issues and no viruses, although users must remain vigilant against Linux malware. It is important to note that while support for many versions of Windows 10 ends on October 14, Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates until 2028.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

5 reasons you shouldn’t use Windows as a NAS OS

The author transformed a mini PC into a basic Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution using a standard Windows installation. While Windows can work for simple setups, it is generally inefficient for NAS due to its resource usage, lack of native ZFS support, forced updates, complicated Docker and VM management, and clunky remote access. Windows runs unnecessary background services that consume RAM and storage, while dedicated NAS software optimizes performance. Windows does not support ZFS natively, which is beneficial for data integrity and features like compression and encryption. Windows updates can disrupt services due to their unpredictable nature, unlike dedicated NAS systems that allow for scheduled updates. Managing Docker containers or virtual machines is more complex on Windows compared to Linux, which is better suited for these tasks. Remote access on Windows requires cumbersome setups, while Linux offers easier SSH access and web interfaces for management.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Install Manjaro 24.2 today and leave Microsoft Windows 11 to the boomers

Manjaro Linux 24.2 Yonada offers enhanced features across its GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE editions. The GNOME edition includes GNOME 47, allowing users to choose from multiple accent colors, improved scaling for clarity on various displays, and hardware encoding support for screen recording on Intel and AMD GPUs. The Plasma edition utilizes Plasma 6.2, featuring improved Wayland support, better energy management, and enhanced customization options, including support for drawing tablets. The XFCE edition, now with Xfce 4.18, introduces file highlighting and recursive search in the Thunar file manager and consolidates system management in the Control Centre. Manjaro 24.2 is powered by Linux Kernel 6.12, with options for older devices using Kernel 6.6 LTS and 6.1 LTS.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows 2025 being pushed via Windows updates?

Microsoft is automatically upgrading Windows Server 2022 systems to Windows Server 2025 without prior notification, causing concerns among IT administrators. Users have reported that their managed server environments received the upgrade via WSUS, leading to operational challenges, especially in clustered environments. Some users prefer clean installations over in-place upgrades due to past difficulties. A specific update, KB5044284, may have triggered these unexpected upgrades by being misidentified as an operating system update. Discussions on Reddit indicate that the upgrade process appears inconsistent across different Windows versions, with some systems labeling it as a "feature" update.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

5 best Linux distros to replace Windows 11 and take control of your PC

Linux is a robust and user-friendly alternative to Windows 11, with several distributions catering to different user needs: - Ubuntu: Recognized as a gateway to Linux for newcomers, it features a user-friendly interface, extensive community support, and a straightforward installation process. It includes essential software and has lightweight versions like Xubuntu and Lubuntu for older hardware. - Linux Mint: Offers a Windows-like interface with a familiar desktop layout and pre-installed multimedia codecs, making it easy for users to enjoy media without additional software. It is based on Ubuntu for stability. - Pop!_OS: Developed by System76, it is tailored for gamers with built-in support for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, and features tiling window management for enhanced productivity. It allows users more control over their systems without forced updates. - Fedora: Known for its cutting-edge features and rapid release cycle, it emphasizes security and is popular among developers, featuring the GNOME desktop environment. - Manjaro: Built on Arch Linux, it offers a rolling release model for continuous updates while being beginner-friendly. Users can customize their experience with various desktop environments like KDE Plasma or XFCE.

Winsage

June 11, 2024

HP bricks ProBook laptops with bad BIOS delivered via automatic updates — many users face black screen after Windows pushes new firmware | Tom’s Hardware

HP is aware of a potential issue with a recently released BIOS update that could impact several laptop models. Customers who may have experienced this issue should contact HP Support.