A bit over two months back, I asked the self-reflective question, “Why am I using Windows?” And about a month ago, I shared a bit more of Microsoft’s apparent reasons for the push to Windows 11 and onward to “agentic AI,” in an “MS AI AIMS” post.
But it wasn’t until last week that I discovered just how truly disaffected I actually am with the OS, deep down in my soul. And it’s related to learning that Windows 11 can be run on my Steam Deck.
At first, my inner geek was excited about the prospect. The OS can be installed onboard, either replacing or dual booting with the Steam OS. But there’s an even niftier way of doing that installation on an external drive, then mounting that device on the back of the Steam Deck with a magnetic ring for easy removal when unused. And there’s a YouTube video tutorial, with an online source of a Windows 11 package containing preprepared Steam Deck drivers, to make the installation easy.
There’s something in my soul that feels joy at extending the usability of a thing, taking it beyond its apparent limits, or employing it in ways never intended. Side loading Google Play Store on a Kindle Fire, for example. Or see “Another Rescue Chromebook” for installing Windows 10 or 11 on end-of-life Chromebooks, “Steam Deck Playstation” for playing old PS2 games on the Steam Deck, and even “Playing the Oddball Options” for some examples of trading card game abuse.
I even have a couple of old external backup drives that could be pressed into service for this Windows 11 Steam Deck project, further satisfying that itch to give old hardware a reason to exist.
So I was surprised to hear my heart say, “meh,” and my soul actually cringe at the idea of doing it. Literally surprised to learn how deep my distaste for Windows has become.
It’s common to hear ex-spouses say that they remain good friends. And I’ve always wondered how that’s possible. My passions run deep, and it’s hard to imagine a sliding scale of affection for someone who played such a central part in my life.
I’ve had a 40-year devotion to Microsoft, from DOS to Windows 10, on PDAs and desktops alike, including a deep familiarity with and affection for Microsoft Word.
But, wryly speaking, last week I discovered that, apparently, at heart I feel betrayed, my trust taken for granted. I hope Microsoft is happy chasing the fickle affection of its investors. What a sordid affair that will be.