Your views and feedback from email and the web
Where’s KeePass?
I have a couple of observations. First, is there any reason you never review KeePass when you are reviewing password managers (see issue 350, p69)? The Forbes 2023 review says “KeePass stands out among password managers for its security and customisation”.
You have previously explained how Windows 10 can be forced to accept Windows 11, even if not compliant, by changing a couple of Registry settings. Why didn’t you mention that in issue 350? Peter Kent
Editor-in-chief Tim Danton replies: We have nothing against KeePass, but this is a very crowded market so we had to whittle it down. As you say we’ve mentioned the Registry tweak cheat before, but last month’s feature was more about exploring the bigger question around moving from Windows 10 rather than a practical guide to upgrading machines.
The untold Windows 11 issue
I think there is an untold Windows 11 issue that I’m sure I’m not alone in facing. When Windows 10 came out Microsoft claimed it would be the last version of Windows. So I (like many others?) built a decent computer and more importantly installed a lot of software on it. I use my PC for everyday tasks and music making and I have installed over 2,000 audio plugins over the years: in most cases, those plugins are locked to my computer.
So, imagine my shock when Microsoft released the specifications for Windows 11 and my PC didn’t meet those specifications! I can’t upgrade my operating system and in many cases I can’t transfer the plugins to a new computer. I’m not sure what I am supposed to do.
I do know there is a workaround (but Microsoft won’t commit to its continued support) and I know my hardware may fail (but I do have an identical spare motherboard in case of failure) but I see no easy path forward for me. To make matters worse, many of my audio plugins have to have an internet connection to remain active, so I can’t disconnect my Windows 10 machine from the web.
I’m not sure why Microsoft has been allowed to create this situation. Computers have been powerful for many years and in many cases there’s no justification in scrapping perfectly good hardware. At a time when we are supposed to be reducing the mountains of discarded electronic goods, how have they been allowed to add what must amount to millions of computers to that pile? Keith Marriott
Contributing editor Lee Grant replies: Oh Ke
