Nah. Switching to CachyOS instead.
this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2025
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Here's is how to get 3 extra years for free: https://massgrave.dev/ without Microsoft account login
Potentially 6
Linux or pirate it.
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.
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.
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.
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
The article olympically ignores the option to install linux.
They knew Lemmy would have that covered.
Windows is never free.
It's not free.
How do you figure?
You are buying it with your personal data and granting them access to your computer. Even if you don't think that's not worth much, it is still not free. You're just paying with something other than money.
The vast majority of people have already activated Windows with an email address. I have several friends who have done so and for them this cost nothing.
They may accept the ongoing cost, but that doesn't make it free. There may be no cash payment, but that doesn't make it free. Cost comes in many forms. The glib misrepresentation of the transaction is disappointing.
Nothing more.
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.
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.
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.
You can, and without microsoft pushing malware onto your system with out your consent your chances of getting hacked are probably lessened.
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’ve distro hopped back to Mint and stayed on Mint over a year now. I think Mint being beginner-friendly kind of makes it a victim of its own success, because as someone who has been using Linux several years, Ubuntu without Snaps and a highly polished UX is pretty ideal. PopOS has the same value proposition, but I like Cinnamon way better than Cosmic, or even KDE.
I am SO glad that I don't have to deal with bullshit Microsoft workarounds anymore.
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.