Just an FYI, if you have not already done so, please check this out to prevent a bricked phone or worse:
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/12/currency-mining-android-malware-is-so-aggressive-it-can-physically-harm-phones/
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/12/currency-mining-android-malware-is-so-aggressive-it-can-physically-harm-phones/
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Microsoft Activation Offline - Not for you guys in secure locations anymore!
With the removal of local account setup for Windows Installer from Win 11 25H2 those of us who work in locations that do not permit connection of device to the "outside world" for security reasons (or just because we don't like the "outside world") are now also unable to activate Windows offline using telephone activation.
That's also no longer available for Office 2024.
With both you can still generate an activation challenge code from your machine, but it seems Microsoft's activation support team can't process it .
If there's anyone around who has a direct line to Redmond? Can they confirm? Otherwise it looks like this is going to be an issue for the "one or two" (I can't confirm numbers for ... well ... reasons ...) secure locations around the world that need to be air-gapped (and not just those locations that are used for <Redacted>).
With thanks to the respective posters of these questions:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/29295366/No-United-States-Region-during-Windows-11-Activation.html
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/29284908/Retail-Office-2O24-Offline-Activation-Issues-with-Win11.html
With the removal of local account setup for Windows Installer from Win 11 25H2 those of us who work in locations that do not permit connection of device to the "outside world" for security reasons (or just because we don't like the "outside world") are now also unable to activate Windows offline using telephone activation.
That's also no longer available for Office 2024.
With both you can still generate an activation challenge code from your machine, but it seems Microsoft's activation support team can't process it .
If there's anyone around who has a direct line to Redmond? Can they confirm? Otherwise it looks like this is going to be an issue for the "one or two" (I can't confirm numbers for ... well ... reasons ...) secure locations around the world that need to be air-gapped (and not just those locations that are used for <Redacted>).
With thanks to the respective posters of these questions:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/29295366/No-United-States-Region-during-Windows-11-Activation.html
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/29284908/Retail-Office-2O24-Offline-Activation-Issues-with-Win11.html
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There is way around it, but the easy fix is being overlooked,
install Windows 2019 server install VMware 17 install Windows 10 IolEnterprizeS you just added 10 more years to updates . all so u can install Windows 11 in VMware as VMware has access to TPM won't have a problem just because Microsoft forces you down a path doesn't mean you're force to take it there are ways around all things they do
also do note Microsoft can target a single pc and turn it into a brick, and is a pain to unbrick VMware adds layer of protection
also use vertcritp to encrypt the drives, if you use 4 layers of encryption they can't break it,
Encryption does not work like most think files stay encrypted so when if stolen they can't break the encryption on files
install Windows 2019 server install VMware 17 install Windows 10 IolEnterprizeS you just added 10 more years to updates . all so u can install Windows 11 in VMware as VMware has access to TPM won't have a problem just because Microsoft forces you down a path doesn't mean you're force to take it there are ways around all things they do
also do note Microsoft can target a single pc and turn it into a brick, and is a pain to unbrick VMware adds layer of protection
also use vertcritp to encrypt the drives, if you use 4 layers of encryption they can't break it,
Encryption does not work like most think files stay encrypted so when if stolen they can't break the encryption on files
From Virtual Machines to Beekeeping Dreams – Thank You!
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To Whom It May Concern ?
What a wonderful surprise — and such a heartfelt message. Thank you so much for your kind words and your generosity. It truly means a lot to know that the work I’ve shared over the years, both on Experts Exchange and through Hancock’s VMware Half Hour, has made a real difference.
Hearing that my content helped your business and supported you along your own IT journey is the best kind of reward I could ask for. The VMware and wider tech community have always meant a great deal to me, and messages like yours remind me why I continue to share and create.
Your thoughtful beekeeping gift is deeply appreciated — I’ll be sure to put it to good use with my hives at Meltonby Honey, and I’ll think of you each time I do.
Wishing you a long, healthy, and happy retirement — you’ve certainly earned it! Thank you again for your kindness and for taking the time to reach out.
With very best wishes,
Andy
To Whom It May Concern ?What a wonderful surprise — and such a heartfelt message. Thank you so much for your kind words and your generosity. It truly means a lot to know that the work I’ve shared over the years, both on Experts Exchange and through Hancock’s VMware Half Hour, has made a real difference.
Hearing that my content helped your business and supported you along your own IT journey is the best kind of reward I could ask for. The VMware and wider tech community have always meant a great deal to me, and messages like yours remind me why I continue to share and create.
Your thoughtful beekeeping gift is deeply appreciated — I’ll be sure to put it to good use with my hives at Meltonby Honey, and I’ll think of you each time I do.
Wishing you a long, healthy, and happy retirement — you’ve certainly earned it! Thank you again for your kindness and for taking the time to reach out.
With very best wishes,
Andy
Maybe hold out for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 machines?
Some Windows 10 users who can't upgrade to 11 seeing "Enrol" button and able to add ESU for Year One at no cost...
(See also: https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/29293410/How-to-get-Windows-10-Home-ESU-am-I-qualified.html )
