As 2024 closes—and let's be honest, it has been an interesting year—Neowin capped it off with a trip down memory lane, compiling the ten most-viewed stories that got readers clicking all year. This mix of Windows quirks, tech controversies, SpaceX setbacks, and sneaky software maneuvers offers an insightful snapshot of a year that was anything but boring. For Windows users, it’s a rollercoaster of bugs, updates, and frustratingly familiar issues. Here's the breakdown—let’s dive into what these highlights mean for you!
Why does this matter to you? Windows 11 has some stringent system requirements, and many older PCs don’t make the cut officially. But, creative users figured out workarounds, like registry tweaks. For those worried Microsoft might catch on, don’t fret too much—this work-around culture taps into older traditions. Remember the Windows XP days? If you do, then you know that customization is part of the Windows DNA.
The takeaway: Musk’s struggle mirrors frustrations for many users forced into Microsoft's ecosystem. This sticky login process feels like corporate strong-arming and reinforces the growing pushback against these walled-garden tactics. Need a local account? Knowing the bypass trick is worth bookmarking.
Key question: Why stick with Windows 10? For many, Windows 11's strict hardware requirements and feature set didn’t feel transformative enough to justify the upgrade. And while the dust settled with improved updates later in 2024, the love-hate relationship lingers.
What to do if it happens to you: Manually resizing partitions isn’t as intimidating as it sounds; Disk Management in Windows does the job. But these types of fixes underscore why Microsoft gets scrutinized for managing problems that seem unnecessarily convoluted.
For users, it’s a lesson in weighing the pros and cons of "endpoint protection" services, particularly when companies like CrowdStrike hold the keys to the system's security castle.
Should you pay? If you’re managing critical systems, the official route is safest. 0patch is a solid choice for smaller setups or semi-retired machines operating in your home. The cost is low, but don’t underestimate the future complexity of this setup.
For users, the experience triggered annoyance—while the cloud is convenient, it isn’t free space. And syncing a bunch of unnecessary data when you weren’t ready for it? That’s a trust-busting move.
What does this signal? Despite Microsoft's slow response on this particular hardware bottleneck, addressing it late is better than never. Late adopters finally have a cleaner road to the upgrade.
While not Microsoft-related, the universal fascination was warranted—here was a tale of technology’s limits being pushed too far. In a way, it parallels many Windows OS updates where lofty ambitions stumble over unexpected hiccups.
From tackling bugs to exploring clever workarounds, one thing stayed consistent—Windows users are resourceful and tenacious, whether dealing with account setups, re-partitioning drives, or managing their cloud storage. What's your bet for 2025—more hurdles, or smoother sailing? Let’s hear it!
Source: Neowin Here are the top 10 most viewed stories on Neowin in 2024
10. Installing Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported PCs
Windows users didn’t let hardware incompatibilities hold them back. One of the year’s breakout guides was about sneaking the 24H2 update onto unsupported machines. This revealed just how much the community values staying up-to-date, even when Microsoft’s hardware barriers try to slam the gate shut.Why does this matter to you? Windows 11 has some stringent system requirements, and many older PCs don’t make the cut officially. But, creative users figured out workarounds, like registry tweaks. For those worried Microsoft might catch on, don’t fret too much—this work-around culture taps into older traditions. Remember the Windows XP days? If you do, then you know that customization is part of the Windows DNA.
9. Musk Takes Aim at Windows 11 Account Rules
One of Windows 11's less popular quirks—forcing users to log in with a Microsoft Account during setup—made headlines when none other than Elon Musk found himself in setup purgatory. Despite all his money and rocket-building capabilities, Musk struggled with the lack of an offline workaround (although oobe\bypassnro remains an option for savvy users).The takeaway: Musk’s struggle mirrors frustrations for many users forced into Microsoft's ecosystem. This sticky login process feels like corporate strong-arming and reinforces the growing pushback against these walled-garden tactics. Need a local account? Knowing the bypass trick is worth bookmarking.
8. Market Share Drama: Windows 11 vs. Windows 10
Did you know Windows 11 is the first modern version of the OS to lose market share? That happened across a few months in 2024 before it rebounded back to a respectable ~35%. Meanwhile, its predecessor, Windows 10, remains persistent like that '90s sitcom that just won’t end.Key question: Why stick with Windows 10? For many, Windows 11's strict hardware requirements and feature set didn’t feel transformative enough to justify the upgrade. And while the dust settled with improved updates later in 2024, the love-hate relationship lingers.
7. Samsung Disables RCS Messaging—and Feels the Backlash
RCS (Rich Communication Services), touted as the modern texting standard and a rival to Apple's iMessage, found one last place to hang out: Samsung's Messages app. That is, until Verizon users woke up to Samsung discontinuing its support. While RCS isn’t a Microsoft story, the traffic it generated revealed one truth—users feel deeply attached to their messaging standards.6. The Nagging Error: WinRE Partition Sizes
Microsoft’s troubles with fixing the infamous "0x80070643 – ERROR_INSTALL_FAILURE" bug became a shining lowlight of 2024. The fix? Users had to manually resize their Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) partitions. That’s right—Microsoft expected you to get your digital hands dirty, resizing disk partitions like it’s the early 2000s.What to do if it happens to you: Manually resizing partitions isn’t as intimidating as it sounds; Disk Management in Windows does the job. But these types of fixes underscore why Microsoft gets scrutinized for managing problems that seem unnecessarily convoluted.
5. CrowdStrike Update Breaks Windows PCs
A cybersecurity debacle emerged in mid-2024 when a flawed CrowdStrike update caused severe disruptions across Windows PCs—a juicy topic for Microsoft critics. Oddly enough, similar disruptions happened to Linux systems, but didn’t ignite the same fury. Why? Arguably because Windows issues naturally command the spotlight.For users, it’s a lesson in weighing the pros and cons of "endpoint protection" services, particularly when companies like CrowdStrike hold the keys to the system's security castle.
4. Five More Years for Windows 10 (With a Catch)
If you’re not making the jump to Windows 11 for compatibility reasons—or pure hate—Microsoft dangled a lifeline: an optional $30/year extended support package. Or you could take the DIY path with third-party solutions like 0patch, pledging security updates for five years.Should you pay? If you’re managing critical systems, the official route is safest. 0patch is a solid choice for smaller setups or semi-retired machines operating in your home. The cost is low, but don’t underestimate the future complexity of this setup.
3. The OneDrive Backup Fiasco
Without much of an announcement, Microsoft made OneDrive backups the new "default" for users setting up Windows 11. This meant many unsuspecting users started seeing files and desktop shortcuts syncing automatically.For users, the experience triggered annoyance—while the cloud is convenient, it isn’t free space. And syncing a bunch of unnecessary data when you weren’t ready for it? That’s a trust-busting move.
2. Microsoft Fixes the Intel Driver Glitch
A two-year bug blocking some users from upgrading to Windows 11 due to certain problematic Intel drivers was finally resolved this year. This move opened the doors for more Windows 10 users to make the leap.What does this signal? Despite Microsoft's slow response on this particular hardware bottleneck, addressing it late is better than never. Late adopters finally have a cleaner road to the upgrade.
1. SpaceX and the Falcon 9 Mishap
Not directly about Windows but worth mentioning—the year’s most popular article highlighted a rare error during a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch. Due to an ice buildup, a Merlin engine failed mid-flight, and the satellites were deployed into a much lower orbit.While not Microsoft-related, the universal fascination was warranted—here was a tale of technology’s limits being pushed too far. In a way, it parallels many Windows OS updates where lofty ambitions stumble over unexpected hiccups.
Where Does This Leave Us Moving into 2025?
2024's most popular tech stories highlight an ongoing balancing act: users want exciting, transformative upgrades, but they’re also not tolerating disruptions, bugs, or closed ecosystems. Windows 11 is finding its rhythm, but user frustration lingers when corporate ambition collides with real-world utility.From tackling bugs to exploring clever workarounds, one thing stayed consistent—Windows users are resourceful and tenacious, whether dealing with account setups, re-partitioning drives, or managing their cloud storage. What's your bet for 2025—more hurdles, or smoother sailing? Let’s hear it!
Source: Neowin Here are the top 10 most viewed stories on Neowin in 2024