laptop setup Archives

Winsage

December 18, 2024

The Windows 11 experience (from someone in a hurry)

The author needed to acquire a new laptop for a colleague and chose one at Costco after conducting personal research. Upon bringing the laptop home, the setup process was delayed by a lengthy update that took over 30 minutes, followed by an upgrade to version 23H2 that took an additional hour. The update process was complicated by the laptop entering sleep mode and requiring multiple updates, including a substantial 24H2. Additionally, the manufacturer’s software added 1.4 gigabytes of drivers, necessitating a reboot. The entire process stretched from around 6 PM to midnight, with significant data downloads involved. The author also faced issues with Microsoft Edge, which prompted unwanted notifications and settings imports despite instructions to keep browsers distinct.

Winsage

September 21, 2024

OEMs really need to stop duplicating settings that are already in Windows

Setting up a new laptop involves configuring settings, starting with optimizing the power plan in Windows. Users often encounter confusion due to OEM software that offers alternative performance settings, leading to duplicated options, especially in display settings. Both Intel and AMD include power-saving features in their drivers, which overlap with Windows functionalities. This inconsistency in settings can frustrate users, particularly when switching between devices or adapting to a new machine. Many users experience annoyance from these redundant settings, and there is hope for manufacturers to address these issues for a better user experience.