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My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

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Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#21

My friend recently got a new Windows PC. Out of the box, it spent maybe 15-20 minutes updating itself. "We're getting things ready", reboot, create a Microsoft account, 10 data sharing settings to turn off, "almost ready..." Iirc, a MacBook is ready to use without any updates.

> a MacBook is ready to use without any updates.

Do you want to give this app access to downloads? To desktop? To microphone? What about this app? Sign in to iCloud. Sign in again. Maybe this time? Nope, sign in to iCloud.

I’ve picked my poison, and it’s Apple, but it’s far from perfect.

Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#22

My friend recently got a new Windows PC. Out of the box, it spent maybe 15-20 minutes updating itself. "We're getting things ready", reboot, create a Microsoft account, 10 data sharing settings to turn off, "almost ready..." Iirc, a MacBook is ready to use without any updates.

I think it will ask, but it’s optional. You can do it later if you’d prefer.

The only time it’s mandatory is if you are restoring from a back up or transferring from another computer with a newer operating system.

So if your old machine was on 10.20.1 but your new machine is 10.19.4 because that was the newest when it was put in box then you’ll have to update it first.

Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#23

I can't even remove 'Recommended' from the start menu, not even on a Pro for Workstations. Every time I search on the start menu there is a web search, impossible to turn off. How is that acceptable? I install Edge Beta to test something, and the I uninstall it. All of the sudden my search provider in my normal Edge is reset. And the nagging everywhere. No I don't want 'back-up' my files (OneDrive is not backup, it's…

For some consolation: Windows Autoupdates can be disabled and likewise driver installs in general via Group Policy, which is available if you use Pro or above.

Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#24
People need to get over the in OS ads. They’re easily removable honestly. Personally I’ve never seen windows look this good in years. The whole system shell looks really good and well designed these days. On top of that the included features like wsl2 and hyperv are great.

Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#26

My friend recently got a new Windows PC. Out of the box, it spent maybe 15-20 minutes updating itself. "We're getting things ready", reboot, create a Microsoft account, 10 data sharing settings to turn off, "almost ready..." Iirc, a MacBook is ready to use without any updates.

> a MacBook is ready to use without any updates. Do you want to give this app access to downloads? To desktop? To microphone? What about this app? Sign in to iCloud. Sign in again. Maybe this time? Nope, sign in to iCloud. I’ve picked my poison, and it’s Apple, but it’s far from perfect.

Those aren’t updates.

They’re obnoxious. I’m getting more annoyed with MacOS too for that and other reasons mostly around services.

But you can start using it without OS updates.

Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#27
post #20

It's pretty sad, but with each iteration of Windows, it feels more and more impersonal and intrusive. There could be a mass migration to MacOS and Linux for many of us.

MacOS is going through the same thing. It’s not nearly as bad, but Apple keeps pushing their services and being more in your face about it. I don’t mind them trying. But don’t keep asking, or ask again on every update, or badge settings because I haven’t my added to my wallet, or keep telling me how much better a family plan is when I’m single. It’s not better, it’s a waste of money. I can’t imagine switching off mac…

Seriously. macOS is getting this same sort of thing, but it’s being slow walked.

Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#28

My friend recently got a new Windows PC. Out of the box, it spent maybe 15-20 minutes updating itself. "We're getting things ready", reboot, create a Microsoft account, 10 data sharing settings to turn off, "almost ready..." Iirc, a MacBook is ready to use without any updates.

I just got a new MacBook Air a couple of days ago, and a couple weeks before that I helped my mom set up a new Win 11 laptop.

The Macbook's setup is definitely a bit faster than Windows, but it's not way faster. I still had to turn off a lot of the things it suggests, and I still was prompted to update the OS. However, the Macbook was less pushy and I felt the features at least seemed to offer some user value.

Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#29
post #20

It's pretty sad, but with each iteration of Windows, it feels more and more impersonal and intrusive. There could be a mass migration to MacOS and Linux for many of us.

MacOS is going through the same thing. It’s not nearly as bad, but Apple keeps pushing their services and being more in your face about it. I don’t mind them trying. But don’t keep asking, or ask again on every update, or badge settings because I haven’t my added to my wallet, or keep telling me how much better a family plan is when I’m single. It’s not better, it’s a waste of money. I can’t imagine switching off mac…

MacOS is getting worse, for sure, but compared to Windows, it's way "behind" in all the bad ways. As a life-long Windows user, who is also comfortable with Linux, MacOS seems to have the best of all worlds, currently.

Re: My Windows Computer Just Doesn't Feel Like Mine Anymore

#30
post #24

People need to get over the in OS ads. They’re easily removable honestly. Personally I’ve never seen windows look this good in years. The whole system shell looks really good and well designed these days. On top of that the included features like wsl2 and hyperv are great.

I disagree that we should just "get over" ads, I fucking paid cold hard cash for a Windows license after all. It's either ads with a free license, or no ads with a license bought and paid for. No fucking double dipping.

That said, most if not all the nonsense can easily be disabled or removed so I agree with your overall position.

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