Windows 11 is a minefield of micro-aggressions in the shipping lane of progress

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Windows lock-in, monetization, and user frustration

  • Many see Windows 11 as the continuation of a long “enshittification” trend: more bloat, telemetry, ads, and dark patterns, with users having little leverage.
  • Several developers feel trapped by Windows-only stacks (C#/WPF, CAD, Catia, banking, scientific instruments), planning to switch to Linux on retirement or isolating Windows in a VM.
  • Others report Win11 Pro (especially on work machines) is “fine” or problem‑free, suggesting the worst pain is on Home editions and OEM images.

“Detoxifying” Windows vs. leaving it

  • People want an automated “Windows detoxifier.” Some argue that Linux/*BSD are the real detox, others point to debloat/telemetry tools and tuning scripts used in labs and by YouTubers.
  • A long lab-instrument anecdote contrasts XP’s speed and tiny footprint with Win11 Enterprise’s resource hunger and sluggishness, even after heavy vendor automation and tuning; this has become a niche consulting opportunity.

LTSC as the “last sane Windows”

  • Many recommend Windows 10/11 LTSC as a relatively clean, ad‑free, stable build suitable even for gaming.
  • Big hurdle: legitimate access. Officially it’s volume‑only; people discuss workarounds (Visual Studio subscriptions, gray markets, activation scripts, ISO hashes, torrents).
  • There’s debate about compatibility: some claim a decade of trouble‑free gaming on LTSC; others cite cases where newer DirectX/APIs or VR tools broke on older LTSC baselines.

Why people still stick with Windows

  • For home users: gaming, especially “forever” online titles and anti‑cheat. Proton is praised, but lack of guaranteed day‑one support and AC issues remain blockers.
  • For business: Active Directory’s integrated LDAP/Kerberos/DNS/GPO stack, Office/Excel power‑use, QuickBooks, CAD (including Catia), Windows‑only banking and vertical apps, plus support contracts.

Linux, macOS, and desktop ergonomics

  • Several report that Linux now “just works” for them (including gaming, remote dev, daily use), highlighting better install UX vs. Windows 11.
  • Others still hit issues: fractional scaling, multi‑monitor setups, Bluetooth/audio, and particularly remote desktop on Wayland. Various VNC/RDP‑like solutions are mentioned, but none clearly match Windows RDP’s polish.
  • Some conclude: if Linux doesn’t run your mainstream apps reliably, a cheap Mac is the pragmatic escape.

Other themes

  • Windows is viewed by some as an on‑ramp to cloud services and data harvesting.
  • OEM bundling and paying for Windows despite hating it are described as “enabling abusers.”
  • Several think the article itself was a weak rant lacking concrete examples, though the general frustration resonates.