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I no longer help friends and family with Windows issues
For years, I was the go-to person whenever a friend or family member had a computer issue. Whether it was a slow system, mysterious pop-ups, unsupported hardware after system update, or software not behaving as expected, I would spend hours troubleshooting and fixing things. But not any more, at least not if the system in question runs Windows (or macOS).
The primary reason I’ve stopped offering tech support for Windows and macOS is simple: they are closed, proprietary systems that take control away from users. Every time I fix a problem, I am reinforcing a system that actively works against the principles of software freedom and user autonomy. These operating systems are designed to restrict what users can do, push unnecessary updates, track their activities, and lock them into ecosystems they can’t easily leave. The last blog post of Microsoft about Windows 11 is a new proof of that, requiring an internet connection and a Microsoft account to use your computer.
Windows is notorious for breaking itself with updates, making a system sluggish or rendering essential hardware useless from one month to the next. macOS, while more stable in some ways, forces users into Apple's walled garden, limiting their choices and making even basic repairs a nightmare. By helping people fix these problems, I was merely patching a system that would continue to cause headaches, rather than encouraging them to look for real alternatives.
There is a better way. GNU/Linux and other free and open-source operating systems give users real control over their computers. Instead of endlessly troubleshooting problems caused by proprietary restrictions, I now encourage people to switch to systems that respect their freedom. If someone comes to me with an issue on Linux, I’m happy to help because I know we are working toward a sustainable solution rather than fighting against a corporation’s interests.
I am not abandoning my friends and family. I still want to help, but in a way that actually benefits them in the long run. If they are willing to move away from Windows or macOS, I will gladly assist with the transition, recommend distributions, and help them learn how to use a free system. But if they choose to remain locked into proprietary software, they will have to rely on someone else or a professional support. I don't force them to change, I'm just not the good person for these systems I don't use myself for two decades. I switched my personal computer with Ubuntu 5.04 (released on April 8, 2005)
This decision wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Time and again, I saw how much effort went into fixing problems that shouldn’t have existed in the first place. Now, instead of wasting time on broken systems, I put my energy into supporting a future where users have real control over their technology.
If you’re frustrated with your computer’s constant issues, maybe it’s time to consider an alternative. And if you need help making the switch, many Linux users are ready to help you.
And you, using GNU/Linux system, are you always helping on Windows systems ?
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@adele Since around 2008, when I moved to Debian, I was saying “I don’t even use Windows anymore, so I have no idea how to…” After a bit of time they stopped asking. That was nice.
@adele I still work with Windows (I work with everything) so I don't mind helping where I can but I think it is important to make sure for everyone to have right expectations.
When using Windows (or anything proprietary for that matter) you place trust in the vendor and accept their vision and rules. In short you accept it as it is and you accept it to change in the future. Which means lots of Windows problems have solutions people don't like and some things just can't be done because they think you shouldn't done it.
Windows isn't a bad system (in fact it is quite resilient and very capable) but you can't make it yours and trying to do so will only bring disappointment and sudden issues in the future. Just use it as it is supposed to be used or don't use it as we FINALLY have working alternatives. It is pretty simple.
Also here is universal advice how to fix most Windows problems:
- reboot
- if the issue is still there install all updates and reboot
- if some failed to install then reboot and try again
- if still fails run chkdsk /r (and reboot)
@shuro I absolutely do not share your simplistic point of view. If helping out a friend came down to following your basic procedure, I wouldn't mind continuing to help out my friends. But usually the problems are much more complex, sometimes requiring a complete reinstallation of the system (when you are not struggling with licence problem, Microsoft account or whatever new MS has invented). And installing Windows, and all its updates, then the drivers, and finally the software usually takes all day.
Installing a Linux distribution takes an hour, system and software included.
@adele It is fine to have different experiences :)
I work in IT support and infrastructure for quite some time (currently we have around 1500 servers and ten times as many workstations running Windows, various Linux flavors and some Macs) so I learn to work with anything I need to. As my experience shows nowadays Windows is pretty reliable and weird crashes of unclear nature requiring reinstallation are rather rare. Most of the time it can be fixed rather quick and easy.
As for time spend on diagnostics or installation - this mostly depends on familiarity with the system. Windows people struggle with Linux and vice versa. It can take quite some time to setup physical computer with Linux as well if it is not a familiar or standardized system. Last time I had to get a HPE server running I spend couple hours just to get the storage array recognized - it didn't work out of the box and then things escalated quickly with adding vendor repositories, working out dependencies and then I ended up changing distro as Debian turned out to be not supported. Same setup with Windows would take me much less time but simply because I had more experience setting up such machines.
@shuro
that's for sure.
We can have different vision and opinion due to our respective experience.
But I'm sure that , personally, I will never go back to closed systems
@adele I've read your post and I'm doing the same but for less noble reasons (I agree 100% with your perspective).
I stopped helping friends for several reasons but the main one is that even if they know I do this for a living, they was calling me for everything without even trying to solve the problem themselves, taking for granted my help, for free.
No one seems to understand that what I do is the results of years reading, studing and trying.
I still help my closest relatives, as best as I can
@allanon Yes, I understand your opinion. However, I also accept to ask for help with my problem in a field I don't master (e.g.: car problems, electricity, sewing...). And I prefer to ask people I've helped with their computer problems. This makes it fair.
@adele yes, I do the the same, when there is an exchange is better. Anyway, just to clarify, I'm happy to help real friends and people that respect my time 🙂 but for the others the free service has stopped years ago 😊
@adele I've been doing this for years as well. Same reasons.
@adele this is awesomely put together 🐾