with   

So ... Microsoft wants you to chuck your relatively new computer and to buy a new one; just so that they can force-install Windows 11 onto it (whether you actually want it or not).

Of course, they are doing this to save the children, err, I mean: "ensure your security".

Their storyline is that to "ensure your security", you will have to have an activated TPM hardware module (see sidebar for description) in your system. For millions of people who do not have a TPM module, that means buying a new computer.

If (IF!) Microsoft can pull off having millions of PCs junked and replaced with TPM-ready new ones … just because … then you can be sure that they will do this over and over again in the future. You know, like whenever TPM 2.21 comes along. Or, TPM 2.5 Or, if a hardware upgrade is "required" for Windows to work with this or that other online product from Microsoft — such as Office 365.

SIDEBAR

So, What is this TPM Thing?

---

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a ~$17-50 USD part.

Example TPM (this one from ASUS)
Around since 2003, TPM is a crypto-processor, that helps to make sure the system is booting from a secure hardware platform. TPM is also used to store encryption keys.

(more info)

Windows is SOFTWARE, right? So why can't Window's TPM support be a setting or switch in the software/boot process, instead of you having to replace hardware? (That's right -- it could of been a software setting instead).

But Microsoft would prefer to just force Windows 10 users to upgrade their hardware.

This is the same way that Microsoft forced Windows 7/8.1 users to move to Windows 10. (Do you remember all of their sneaky tricks to do this? Like making the [x] button on the Do You Want To Install Win10 Now? dialog boxes actually Do the install, instead of just removing the annoying dialog box? Or hiding the Wait Till Later buttons down in the [more info] area? (example, example)

"End of 10"

Well, if Microsoft's privacy-stealing Recall effort wasn't enough to scare people away from Windows; then this latest effort to force people to upgrade PCs should be.

Fortunately, a lot of folks are intelligently reacting to this.

One way is to switch from Windows to the always-has-been-free Linux OS. Linux works extremely well nowadays and has a number of distributions (variations) that are built to look and feel like Windows (see Distributions in the references below).

AND!, Importantly, there are more and more groups that can help you to move to Linux. Often for free. One such group is END OF 10.


END OF 10 is a relatively new group, that was built around helping people move to Linux before Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows 10 support in October of 2025.

Their site has lists of places & websites to go to for help; as well as events where anyone who is interested can go to for hands-on assistance.

END OF 10 has tips and guides for installing Linux yourself.

Common … admit it.
You are tired of Microsoft's crap.
Go ahead and give Linux a try! You will love it!

References

Help with moving to Linux: End of 10

Help with moving Applications from Windows to Linux

Microsoft Recall: New Windows 11 Recall is a Privacy Nightmare

Signal will now block Microsoft's Recall
Windows 11 Recall AI Feature Will Record Everything You Do On Your PC

Tricksie Microsoft:

Windows 10 Upgrades get More Sneaky
Microsoft Stealthily Installs Windows 10 Update


Distributions:

MOST distributions broken down and discussed

While we personally recommend Debian or Linux Mint Debian Edition for the Linux distributions that stick closely to the free software concept; there are Linux distributions that focus on being as close to the Windows look & feel as is possible.

The following are Linux distributions that are Windows-like in look and feel.
5 most Windows like Linux Distributions