I finally deleted Windows 10 on Sunday. Ubuntu too. Now Debian is my only OS. I realized that every time I log into my Windows partition, it's got a trillion updates to install because it'd been weeks since I last logged in. So why bother?
If I really need it for something again, I'll just virtualize.
Windows Update Blocker (WuB) is great, has CLI to use in scripts, and effectively turns off Windows updates and prevents the dickhead "Windows update medic" or whatever service from re-enabling updates. No need to modify registry or GPO. When you want to check for updates, you just click a button in WuB! I love it and even use it in my VM for work.
I realized that every time I log into my Windows partition, it's got a trillion updates to install because it'd been weeks since I last logged in. So why bother?
I remember that feeling. It's like a rite of passage.
It would be a hallowed moment in my memory, except I think I remarked "well, fuck this noise!", which kinda spoils the moment.
My thing is I've got years of experience in Linux. I began using Ubuntu in 2012 because my laptop's hard disk failed, the sticker with my product key had worn away, and I wasn't paying $100 for another copy of Windows 7.
I've only been noncommittal about it this this long because of my Steam library. But with the Steam Deck and Proton being so damn good, and all my games working just as well on Linux as they did in Windows (many times, better), I just stopped using Windows altogether.
So there I was, staring at GNOME Disks for a couple hours. Knowing that like a bad relationship that was doing something for me, but also hurting me, it was best to break things off. And then I nuked that bitch lol
Holy shit, for anyone using Windows, don't ever pay retail price for a license. Get a "one use" OEM license from a verified seller for like $20, or use whatever the latest reliable way to spoof it is.
There was a promotion around at the time where if you bought a Windows 7 laptop within a certain time frame, you could get $25 off your Windows 8 Pro license, which cost $40 on launch day.
And so on launch day, I paid $15 for my retail copy of Windows 8 Pro and installed it on my new PC.
Everyone shits on Win 8, but I had some shell extension that brought back the Win 7 start menu so I have somewhat fond memories of Win 8. I almost never had to deal with the Metro Start Screen.