partitioning Archives

Winsage

May 9, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 may be difficult for PCs older than five or six years due to strict compatibility requirements, including a CPU on the approved list and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Users may encounter error messages if their hardware does not meet these criteria. There are workarounds for some users, particularly those with PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially with AMD processors, may face significant challenges. To upgrade, users must ensure their PC is configured to start with UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has an enabled TPM. A registry edit can allow bypassing CPU checks and accepting older TPM versions. Alternatively, a clean installation of Windows 11 can be performed using installation media, which bypasses CPU compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support. Microsoft has introduced new restrictions with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, requiring CPUs to support specific instructions (SSE4.2 and PopCnt). For those opting to use the Rufus utility to create installation media, it is essential to use version 4.6 or later to bypass compatibility checks. Users must download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB drive, and follow specific steps to initiate the upgrade process.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

Forget Windows 11. These mad lads made Linux look like Windows XP!

The Linux distribution Q4OS has introduced a feature that allows users to experience the Windows XP interface, along with other Windows versions, within a Linux environment. Users can download the free Q4OS distribution and install the XPQ4 graphical user interface (GUI) to activate various Windows-like interfaces, including Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. A live installation option via USB is available, allowing users to try the experience without installation by downloading the ISO file for XPQ4, referred to as FreeXP. Users can create a bootable USB stick using tools like Rufus or balenaEtcher, and upon booting, they will encounter the FreeXP or Free10 interface. The default login credentials for Q4OS are “adminq” with a blank password, and users can customize the language during startup. The XPQ4 environment allows users to switch between different Windows versions using the ‘XPQ4 Desktop Styles’ tool. The operational experience is designed to feel familiar to Windows users, with features for easy software installation and personalization. Installing Q4OS with XPQ4 involves selecting ‘Install Q4OS’ and following an installation wizard that includes options for language, keyboard model, and user account setup. After installation, users can log in with their new credentials and use a Linux environment that resembles Windows XP.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

4 reasons you should embrace virtual machines instead of jumping straight to dual-booting

Operating multiple systems on a single machine, particularly Windows and Linux, can be achieved through dual-booting or using a virtual machine (VM). Dual-booting can lead to complications, such as Windows obstructing access to Linux and overwriting Linux's boot manager. In contrast, VMs allow users to run multiple operating systems concurrently without rebooting, making them more flexible and user-friendly. VMs facilitate the management of separate environments for different tasks and can be easily deleted and recreated if needed. They also provide enhanced security by operating in a sandboxed environment, reducing the risk of damage to the primary system. VMs are portable, encapsulated in a single file for easy transfer between computers, and support snapshots for quick rollbacks.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

5 reasons I stopped dual-booting Windows and Linux on my PC

The author currently uses Windows 11 on most devices due to the lack of Linux alternatives for certain creative applications. They previously engaged in dual-booting Linux and Windows but have shifted away from this practice due to time and data management concerns. Storage issues were a significant challenge, particularly with drive partitioning on laptops. The author finds virtual machines (VMs) and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to be more accessible and practical solutions for their needs. They also mention that Windows 11's Secure Boot complicates dual-boot setups and that Windows updates often overwrite the GRUB bootloader, risking data integrity. Additionally, using BitLocker with GRUB can lead to complications. Ultimately, the author prefers a single operating system per device for a simpler and more efficient experience.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

5 reasons why GParted is better than any Windows alternative for partition management

GParted is a free and open-source partition management tool available on Linux, allowing users to boot directly from a flash drive without installation. It supports over a dozen file systems, including HFS, HFS+, BTRFS, and F2FS, providing versatility beyond Windows' Disk Management, which is limited to NTFS, exFAT, and FAT32. GParted enables users to manage partition flags easily, a feature not available in Windows. While it does not offer direct partition recovery options, users can use the Terminal in GParted Live to execute disk tests for locating lost partitions. GParted can run from a live USB across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it a flexible choice for partition management. It allows users to shrink partitions, create new ones, and recover lost partitions and files, although it is recommended for users comfortable with partition management.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

4 reasons to use multiple partitions on a Windows PC

Windows users can enhance their PCs by partitioning their drives, which allows for multiple operating systems and improves data management and security. Creating a dedicated data partition protects personal files during Windows reinstallation, while a smaller Windows partition simplifies recovery after crashes. Partitioning enables users to run different versions of Windows or Linux in a dual-boot setup. For sensitive information, creating an encrypted partition with tools like BitLocker ensures data security. The practice of partitioning remains relevant, offering benefits such as better organization and security, though it may also present challenges like vulnerability to malware and inefficient space use.