Linux Archives

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft solves dual-boot problems with Windows and Linux

Microsoft addressed issues with dual-boot installations involving Linux that were caused by updates released in August, which disrupted many configurations and Linux boot media. The updates aimed to enhance security by blocking outdated boot managers but resulted in error messages indicating a security policy violation. To resolve these issues, Microsoft created the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) update to prevent installation on dual-boot systems, but the detection mechanism was often ineffective. The SBAT update was paused in September, and Microsoft announced that the problem was resolved with security updates released in May. Affected Windows versions include Windows Server editions from 2012 to 2022, Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2), and Windows 10 (versions 22H2, 21H2, and Enterprise 2015 LTSB). Microsoft also provided guidance for users to prevent the SBAT update and steps to restore dual-boot systems.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

MSI PortalX ditches Windows apps to sync RGB via the web

MSI has introduced PortalX, a web-based lighting platform for RGB control in PC gaming, eliminating the need for traditional software installations. PortalX serves as a centralized hub for RGB functionalities, allowing users to adjust system lighting via a webpage without downloads. It offers per-device configuration and an ‘All Sync’ toggle for cohesive aesthetics, with adjustable lighting speeds. Currently, PortalX operates exclusively within the Windows environment, which may limit compatibility for users of Linux and macOS. The platform aims to simplify RGB customization and improve integration across future product lines. PortalX is set to launch soon.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft finally squashed a Windows bug that’s been around since last year

Microsoft has resolved a dual-booting issue caused by a patch released in 2024 that incorrectly applied Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) settings to custom dual-boot configurations, preventing users from booting into Linux. This issue has been fixed in the May 2025 Windows 11 update (version 24H2), allowing seamless dual-booting. Additionally, Microsoft launched a new 13-inch Surface Laptop, which is the lightest and thinnest laptop the company has produced, weighing 2.7 lbs and featuring enhanced performance and advanced AI capabilities.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft just fixed a 9-month-old Windows bug, which is why it’s the perfect time to try Linux

Microsoft has fixed a long-standing bug in Windows 11 that affected dual-booting with Linux, which had persisted since August 2024. The issue arose from a Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) setting introduced in a Windows 11 update, which inadvertently disrupted dual-boot configurations by incorrectly applying the SBAT value on certain devices. As of May 2, with the release of Windows 11 version 24H2, users can now successfully dual-boot between Windows 11 and other operating systems, including Linux.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

The latest Windows 10 update is reportedly causing havoc on some people’s PCs

Users are experiencing challenges following the deployment of Windows 10 update KB5058379, including unexpected requests for a BitLocker recovery key and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. The BitLocker issue has a low occurrence rate of 2-5%, with reports indicating that only 15 out of 600 devices in some organizations were affected. Adjusting certain BIOS settings may help mitigate BSOD errors. Delaying or rolling back the update could expose systems to vulnerabilities, as it addresses critical zero-day exploits. Many issues arise from the update not completing its installation effectively, and users have reported resolutions once the update is fully realized. Users are advised to contact Microsoft for assistance and consider alternatives like Linux distributions as the October end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Only one person at Microsoft is talking about Windows 12 — let’s keep it that way

Microsoft has not made any formal announcement regarding the release of Windows 12. The end-of-support date for Windows 11 is October 14, 2025. Historically, Windows releases have followed a pattern where every alternate version is perceived as inferior: Windows 95 (good), Windows 98 (bad), Windows 98 SE (good), Windows ME (bad), Windows XP (good), Windows Vista (bad), Windows 7 (good), Windows 8 (bad), Windows 10 (good), and Windows 11 (bad). If Windows 12 is released, it is expected to have increased hardware demands and may heavily rely on artificial intelligence, potentially leaving users with outdated hardware.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

3 reasons Windows 11 is the best advertisement Linux ever had

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 support for installation, creating compatibility issues for users with older hardware, even if the hardware is otherwise capable of running the OS. Many users are still on Windows 10 as the support deadline approaches, with some considering Linux as an alternative since it does not impose TPM 2.0 restrictions. Linux distributions can be installed on machines lacking TPM 2.0, allowing users to retain their existing hardware. Older CPUs, typically from Intel's 7th generation or earlier, are often incompatible with Windows 11 but can run Linux efficiently, sometimes improving application performance. Linux offers more customization and less bloat compared to Windows, appealing to users frustrated with Windows 11's limitations. The shift to Windows 11 has prompted some users to explore Linux as a viable alternative.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

The ‘End of 10’ is nigh, but don’t bury your PC just yet

The "End of 10" website is a collaborative initiative aimed at educating users about alternatives to purchasing new computers as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. The official launch is set for May 28, and the site features a comprehensive list of over 70 locations worldwide for Linux support, with a significant concentration in Germany. Recent data shows that Windows 11 has a market share of 16.5%, while Windows 10 has 15.5%. Approximately 400 million Windows 10 machines cannot upgrade due to hardware limitations. The UK's Consumer Association magazine suggests converting to ChromeOS Flex for those unable to upgrade or purchase new hardware. Which? recommends Ubuntu for users willing to learn a new system, and alternatives like Linux Mint or Ubuntu flavors are suggested for those transitioning from Windows. The discussion also mentions the longevity of Windows 10 LTSC and the maturity of tools like Snap and systemd in recent years.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Windows 10 version of Microsoft 365 apps will be supported until 2028—but this isn’t the Microsoft u-turn you may think it is

Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 applications, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, despite the end of official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. A misleading blog post suggesting that Microsoft 365 Apps would cease support on Windows 10 after the 2025 deadline was clarified by a Microsoft spokesperson as not being an official announcement. Extended Security Updates (ESU) are now available to individual consumers, previously limited to commercial clients and educational institutions. Users can purchase ESU, consider third-party security patches, or transition to Linux if they wish to move away from Microsoft’s ecosystem. Additionally, Microsoft recently announced layoffs of 7,000 employees.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

WSL is the best feature added to Windows in the last decade

Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in August 2016, initially as a tool for developers. WSL debuted as a beta version with a native-kernel translation layer, allowing Windows to run unmodified Linux ELF binaries. Its early performance was limited, leading users to prefer Linux virtual machines for full compatibility. The launch of WSL2 in May 2020 replaced the translation layer with a lightweight, real Linux kernel running in a Hyper-V utility VM, providing near-native performance and comprehensive syscall coverage. WSL2 has since seen continuous improvements, including GPU-compute and CUDA support in 2021, full GUI support for X11 and Wayland applications in 2022, and systemd support in September 2022. WSL2 approaches the performance of bare-metal Linux while integrating seamlessly with Windows, allowing users to launch a Linux shell easily. It enables developers to access the C drive and interact between Windows and Linux environments without dual-booting. WSL2 enhances productivity for data science workflows, allowing the use of tools like PyTorch with CUDA. It also offers features for non-developers, such as creating aliases for launching Windows applications and running Linux GUI applications. WSL's integration into Windows represents a significant shift, providing opportunities for users across various domains to explore Linux functionalities.