The computer shut down unexpectedly, starting only in BIOS mode.
The computer shut down unexpectedly, starting only in BIOS mode.
This is the first time I've encountered such strong discussions in the forums as we have. In Windows, you can't update Samsung SSD firmware manually when offline. You need Samsung Magician to connect to their servers, download and install the updates. This is what Micro$oft considered.
However,
Set up a bootable GNU/Linux distribution, start it in that environment, and update the SSD firmware there, using the guide they provided:
It seems installing a GNU/Linux distro would be a better option, according to your suggestion.
This makes me wonder,
🤔
why you still prefer Windows despite privacy concerns? I think I would have switched to a GNU/Linux distro sooner.
I should admit it was the users' responsibility, possibly mine, not understanding that I needed to update the M.2 Samsung firmware to prevent the issue from happening again.
I disagree with suggesting Windows 11 to anyone, as it's essentially a legal spy software. Another person said "LOL. You're being paranoid and silly. Samsung doesn't collect information about your PC." I only shared a screenshot of the agreement required for installing Samsung Magician, which clearly shows that Samsung does gather hardware data such as serial numbers, so I shouldn't be blamed for this lack of awareness, leading to tension.
I created a bootable USB drive using unetbootin with the Samsung ISO firmware, but when I booted it, I didn’t know what to do next.
As a reminder, both BIOS and chipset have been updated, so the missing part is just the M.2 firmware update.
The RAM now runs at 6000MT/mhz, though I’ll need to check if it’s stable.
I still use Windows 10 instead of Linux because I’m comfortable with this OS and spent a lot of time customizing it; data collection and surveillance would be the main reasons for switching, but it’s not urgent since there’s a free open-source firewall on GitHub (PortMaster) that lets you block unwanted connections easily.
If in the future software developers stop making their programs compatible with Windows 10, this would be my only motivation to move to Linux. But this will take time, as many people have no interest in Windows 11. People switch to Linux for valid reasons—paying for a license while still being monitored is now the norm, and then the usual options aren’t normal anymore.
Yeah, No. There are underlying faults with Windows that can't be fixed by the user. Only way is to adapt and live with it. Prime example: https://forums. I had the same issue as there in that topic with my Win10. Now, with my Win11, that issue is far worse. Either that, or switch the SSD with something else. Western Digital has good options regarding M.2 drives and is nice alternative to Samsung. Can't help you with that. I used Samsung Magician to update the firmware on my drives. Here's a thought: set up VM (virtual machine, emulating Windows), hop behind VPN, install Samsung Magician and update the firmware there. For good measure, unhook all other drives in the system. Once done, uninstall Magician and exit VM. This way, Samsung will not get to see your IP (since you're using VPN), can't see what other drives you have (if you disconnected them or are using VM). All what Samsung can see, is your hardware conf, which parts are common (e.g there are thousands of PCs that use the same CPU and MoBo you have).
Windows 11 is really outdated and should be avoided at all costs. Microsoft has stopped sending security updates for Windows 10 unless you pay them, which they don't deserve. Switching to Windows 11 would be better since it's built to be secure. Now they’re enforcing rules that prevent local offline accounts, making it a poor time to stick with their system.
Your idea would require the VM to have direct access to an m.2 NVMe SSD, which isn’t typical because VMs usually run on virtual drives. I’m not comfortable with this approach. Even with VMs and VPNs, Samsung would still collect your serial numbers and other OS data. I bought their product for a good price, so there’s no reason they should have access to my personal information.
I plan to boot up Linux from a live USB and install firmware there.
It seems it was feasible to set up a Local Account in Windowa 11 after installing the OS using a Microsoft Account. Even if the OOBE bypass feature is no longer functional, you might still add a Local Account later. Although Microsoft maintains close oversight of your PC, switching to a Local Account could provide some relief. This option may only offer limited comfort.
During testing with Windows 11 on older hardware before 2018, I relied on Nero to circumvent Secure Boot, TPM, and Microsoft account requirements. Instead, I opted for Local Accounts. These devices aren’t tied to any Microsoft account, nor are they linked to my previous Windows 10 systems. As someone who previously managed networks, I favor Local Accounts.
I considered a similar approach. I turned on GPU Pass Thru in Hyper-V for Photoshop, but that’s another issue altogether.
This applies only to Windows 10 Home, Professional, and Education editions. For corporate or business users running Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC IoT, support remains until January 2032—far in the future. By then, Windows 12 will likely be released, and possibly even Windows 13 (unfavorable for some).
I've heard about nearly every Windows update over the last couple of decades.
In Win98/SE, when ME arrived, many called it garbage (which it really was).
With WinXP, the same complaints popped up when Vista launched.
In Win7, again with 8/8.1, the same criticism followed.
When Win10 came out, the same concerns resurfaced.
The pattern repeats with each new version, and it's likely the same discussions will happen with Win12.
However, most users still stick to Windows for their personal needs.
🙄
This isn't accurate. The two PCs I own (as listed in my profile) are both using local accounts under Windows 11.
Reference: https://www.thewindowsclub.com/change-mi...windows-10
I've been using local accounts since the Win3.1 era.
Only two releases in this line—Vista and 8/8.1—haven't been used by me.
Product serial numbers, OS version, and brand/model details aren't personal information. What matters are your own files, photos, music, videos, game saves, and anything you've downloaded online.
Considering Microsoft seemingly dropped Windows 9 without a clear reason, I doubt Windows 13 will follow suit. Perhaps Microsoft will revert to naming conventions (like Millennium, Vista, Neptune, Odyssey).