[wave100]

I've managed to avoid the Windows 11 "upgrade" so far by disabling my motherboard's TPM in its BIOS menu. Not sure what I'll do in 2025 when Windows 10 hits EOL.

[baal80spam]

I suggest (if you really want/need to use Windows) to just use LTSC version.

[DoctorDabadedoo]

LTSC in a consumer machine is for sure pirated, no? Not sure that is better than just sticking to windows 10 post EOL.

[HelixEndeavor]

"pirated" yes but you can often source the install images direct from Microsoft and then use open source tools to crack the activation systems. Microsoft has kind of stopped policing piracy at the individual user level, you can even download Windows cracking tools off GitHub, a platform that Microsoft owns. As long as you're using their software it makes them happy. And LTSC is worth it to have a barebones no-bullshit Windows installation.

[DoctorDabadedoo]

Didn't know you could get the base images directly from Microsoft, safe third party tools to validate the installation would still concern me, unfortunately.

[avery17]

You act like we don't all already have pirated copies of windows. Might as well get security updates.

[DoctorDabadedoo]

I'm not all that concerned with the legality of it and more about the chain of trust, if there is need to download images/tools from shady websites for the thing just to work.

[isk517]

I was able to get Windows 11 to a decent state by using 3rd party programs, so there is that option. Not holding much hope that the next version of Windows will permit users to even have that option.