Zorin OS 18: Windows friendly Linux migration path on Ubuntu LTS

Zorin OS 18 arrived the same day Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10, and the timing — plus a well‑scoped feature set aimed directly at Windows users — produced a six‑figure download spike that the Zorin Group called its “biggest launch ever.”

Background​

Zorin OS has long marketed itself as a practical gateway for Windows users who want to keep existing hardware and avoid a forced upgrade to Windows 11. The 18 release doubles down on that positioning by combining a familiar GNOME‑based desktop, explicit migration tooling, and out‑of‑the‑box cloud continuity. The distro is built on an Ubuntu LTS base and ships with modern kernel and driver stacks intended to maximize hardware compatibility for older PCs.
Why the launch mattered: Microsoft’s lifecycle calendar established October 14, 2025 as the end‑of‑support date for Windows 10, creating a practical decision point for millions of users whose machines don’t meet Windows 11 hardware gates. Zorin OS 18’s same‑day release turned that calendar pressure into a visible migration alternative, focused on lowering the most common barriers to switching.

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What Zorin OS 18 ships with — a verified inventory​

Zorin OS 18 arrives in multiple editions (Core, Education, Pro, and a promised Lite variant), and packages a set of default applications and platform components that are explicitly chosen to smooth the Windows → Linux transition.

• Core, Education, Pro, and Lite editions: Zorin offers a Core edition for most users, an Education edition with curricular software, a paid Pro edition with extra layouts and apps (Pro commonly listed at around $47.99), and a Lite edition for older hardware that uses Xfce but was not initially present in every download channel.
• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS base and lifecycle: Zorin 18 is built on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS lineage, and the project aligns the 18 series with the upstream LTS lifecycle through at least April 2029, giving multi‑year security and package support.
• Kernel and drivers: The release leverages a modern HWE kernel line reported to run Linux kernel 6.14 to broaden device support for older components.
• Default applications: The default desktop comes with LibreOffice, Evolution as the mail client, and Brave as the default browser rather than Firefox; Rhythmbox is the default music player, though users commonly install alternatives like VLC. These choices are deliberate: Evolution provides better out‑of‑the‑box Microsoft Exchange support (including EWS/OAuth2), and Brave/WebApps are oriented to cloud‑first workflows.
• ISO size and system requirements: Installation media is in the mid‑gigabyte range (roughly a 3.5 GB ISO was reported), with conservative minimums for Core such as a 1 GHz dual‑core 64‑bit CPU, 2 GB RAM, and 15–40 GB disk depending on edition.

These technical points were validated in launch coverage and hands‑on reports that independently confirmed the package lineup, Ubuntu LTS base, and lifecycle window.

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The headline metric: 100,000 downloads in 48 hours — what that number actually means​

Zorin Group publicly reported roughly 100,000 downloads in a little over two days, with the company asserting that more than 70% (over 72% in some posts) of those downloads originated from Windows systems. Multiple outlets repeated that figure and Zorin framed the spike as evidence of interest from Windows 10 holdouts.
Important caveats and verification:

• Independent reporting across a range of outlets corroborated the 100k figure as Zorin’s own announcement; however, a larger 200k figure that circulated in some reprints lacks a clear primary source and appears to be an amplification rather than a verified stat. Treat the larger figure as unverified.
• Downloads are an interest metric, not a direct measure of completed installs, active users, or enterprise rollouts. A download can be a test, a failed attempt, or multiple downloads by the same user. The number is directionally meaningful but not definitive proof of mass migration. Several analysts and hands‑on writers explicitly warned readers to interpret it as an early signal, not an installed base measurement.

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What makes Zorin OS 18 migration‑friendly (strengths)​

Zorin OS 18 combines design decisions and integration features that directly address the three most common migration blockers: familiarity, cloud continuity, and application compatibility.

Familiarity: desktop layouts and onboarding​

Zorin’s Zorin Appearance layout tool and preconfigured desktop modes make the first boot feel familiar for Windows users. Options include layouts that emulate Windows 7, Windows 10/11, macOS, or a standard GNOME layout. This preserves muscle memory, reduces retraining time, and lowers the psychological barrier to adoption. Reviewers repeatedly called the visual polish and layout options one of the release’s single largest onboarding wins.

Cloud continuity: OneDrive and Web Apps​

Zorin adds OneDrive integration via GNOME Online Accounts so Microsoft 365 users can browse and open OneDrive files from the Files app — a critical piece of continuity for many users dependent on cloud storage. Zorin also ships a Web Apps utility that turns web services (Office 365, Google Docs, Teams, Photoshop Web) into desktop‑like launchers, making cloud‑first workflows feel native. Multiple hands‑on tests confirmed these integrations work reliably for browsing and day‑to‑day document access, though they are mount/browse‑style rather than Windows‑style selective sync.

Application compatibility: Wine 10, Proton tooling, and migration assistant​

Zorin includes a modern Wine runtime (reported as Wine 10) and a migration assistant that recognizes common Windows installers and recommends the least disruptive path: native Linux equivalents, Web Apps, a Wine wrapper, or virtualization. This triage approach converts a vague “will it run?” question into concrete, testable options for hundreds of common installers. Coverage shows this dramatically reduces the exploratory workload for non‑technical users.

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Performance and hardware compatibility — verified observations​

Hands‑on reviewers and community tests reported a snappy experience on SSDs and reasonable performance on older hardware, especially with the Lite flavor for low‑RAM systems. Zorin’s inclusion of an updated kernel and Hardware Enablement packaging (Linux 6.14 HWE) improves hardware support for Wi‑Fi, GPUs, and audio — a practical lifeline for machines blocked from a supported Windows 11 upgrade. These platform choices were independently observed and reported in multiple reviews.

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Risks and limitations — what Windows holdouts need to test​

Zorin OS 18 is a strong candidate for many end‑users and small organizations, but it is not a universal fix. The most important caveats are technical, procedural, and organizational.

• Application fidelity: Complex, GPU‑accelerated professional suites, certain engineering and scientific tools, and software that depends on vendor‑supplied Windows drivers may not run acceptably under Wine or Proton. These workloads often require virtualization or keeping a Windows endpoint.
• Peripheral and vendor drivers: Fingerprint readers, some scanner/printer drivers, and niche peripheral firmware still show spotty Linux support. Test every device you or your users rely on.
• Authentication and enterprise flows: Enterprise conditional access, SAML/MFA conditional flows, and some corporate Single‑Sign‑On setups can complicate Web Apps and browser access to Microsoft 365 resources. Verify with your identity provider and test Teams calling, device passthrough, and advanced Outlook features if you depend on them.
• Downloads ≠ migrations: The 100k download figure is meaningful but should be treated as an interest signal rather than a deployment metric. Pilots and phased rollouts remain essential.

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How to evaluate Zorin OS 18 in your environment — a practical checklist​

For individual testers, IT pros, and small deployments, a disciplined evaluation minimizes disruption.

• Back up all data and create a full system image before making changes.
• Create a Live USB and boot the target hardware to validate basic functionality: display, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, audio, printers, and scanners.
• Test OneDrive access, Web Apps (Office 365/Teams/Google Drive), and critical cloud workflows.
• Run the migration assistant to scan Windows installers and get a compatibility report for commonly used apps.
• Verify peripherals and specialized apps under Wine or in a VM; where performance or fidelity is inadequate, maintain a Windows VM or a mixed endpoint plan.
• Pilot with a small set of noncritical users for 1–2 weeks, capture training gaps, and document rollback procedures.

These steps are consistent with launch guidance from reviewers and enterprise‑facing writeups recommending staged pilots rather than blanket rollouts.

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The tradeoffs: who benefits most, and who should avoid a hard switch​

Zorin OS 18 is particularly well suited for:

• Web‑first households and users primarily dependent on Office 365/Google Workspace web apps.
• Schools, non‑profits, and small organizations seeking to extend device life and reduce e‑waste.
• Enthusiast users and power users willing to test and adapt older apps with Wine/Proton or virtualization.

It is less suitable without careful planning for:

• Enterprises running certified Windows‑only software stacks or those with vendor compliance requirements.
• Workflows that require specialized, certified Windows drivers (high‑end audio interfaces, certain medical or industrial devices).
• Organizations that lack internal Linux support and cannot commit to a pilot/rollback plan.

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UI and usability notes that matter to Windows refugees​

Zorin’s visual refresh — a floating, rounded panel, lighter accents, and discoverable drag‑to‑tile window management — reduces the “alien desktop” feeling many Windows users cite as the psychological barrier to switching. The Web Apps tool and OneDrive mount close the practical workflow gaps that often block productivity after migration. Reviewers consistently praised the first‑boot onboarding sequence and the way the Live session invites layout selection and Online Accounts setup. These are intentionally built to reduce friction in the first week of use.

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Pricing and sustainability model​

Zorin’s Pro edition is a one‑time purchase for the release series and has been listed commonly in the $40–$50 range (often $47.99 in storefront pricing), a revenue stream that helps fund ongoing development and support. Education and Core editions remain free. This model is straightforward: pay once for extra layouts and apps, and get a supported LTS‑based OS that aligns with Ubuntu’s maintenance window.

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Critical analysis and verdict​

Zorin OS 18 is the most deliberately migration‑focused mainstream Linux release in recent years. It is not a miraculous panacea, but it dramatically reduces the friction that typically scares mainstream users away from Linux. Strengths include:

• Targeted onboarding that preserves muscle memory and reduces training overhead.
• Cloud continuity with OneDrive and Web Apps to preserve daily productivity workflows.
• Actionable compatibility triage with an up‑to‑date Wine runtime and installer detection.
• Ubuntu LTS pedigree and multi‑year support, offering predictable security updates through at least April 2029.

Key risks and open questions:

• Application and peripheral edge cases: mission‑critical Windows‑only apps, vendor drivers, and certain enterprise authentication flows still represent the largest risk vectors and must be validated on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Metrics hype vs reality: the 100k download milestone is real and useful as an indicator of interest, but it is not a direct substitute for deployment telemetry. Be cautious with inflated second‑hand numbers (e.g., unverified 200k claims).
• Operational readiness: organizations planning broader rollouts need imaging, patching cadence, and internal Linux support or vendor contracts to maintain service levels comparable to Windows.

Bottom line: for home users, schools, charities, and small organizations with web‑first workflows, Zorin OS 18 is a practical, well‑polished, and supported alternative to an unsupported Windows 10. For enterprises and specialist workflows, it should be treated as a powerful option in a mixed or staged migration strategy — not an immediate wholesale replacement.

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Recommendation: a responsible migration plan​

• Start with a Live USB test and a strict checklist covering OneDrive, printers, scanners, audio, Teams, and any Windows‑dependent apps.
• Use Zorin’s migration assistant to map your Windows installer inventory and triage replacements.
• Pilot with a small cohort and capture training/support needs and compatibility breakages.
• Maintain a rollback plan that includes Windows system images or a Windows VM for apps that don’t port cleanly.
• For organizations, quantify TCO: imaging, user support, training, and potential VM hosting costs vs hardware refresh or ESU pricing.

These steps reflect the cautious, evidence‑based approach recommended by multiple hands‑on reviewers and migration guides that accompanied Zorin 18’s launch.

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Zorin OS 18 is not merely a visual refresh; it is a pragmatic product play aimed at a real, calendar‑driven problem. Its combination of Ubuntu LTS stability, deliberate Windows‑friendly UX, OneDrive/Web Apps continuity, and compatibility tooling creates one of the clearest, most deployable Linux pathways for users who want to avoid forced hardware refreshes and stay secure. The 100k download spike signals curiosity and demand — but real success will be judged by careful pilots, verified compatibility, and how many of those downloads turn into stable, productive daily systems over the coming months.

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Source: LXer: Linux News Zorin 0S 18: 100,000+ Windows 10 Users Can't Be Wrong - FOSS Force

 

[ChatGPT]

Windows can and will reopen apps you didn’t explicitly ask to run after a restart — and a single Settings toggle fixes it quickly.

Overview​

Windows includes a feature called Restart apps (shown in Settings as Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in) that tries to restore the apps you had open when you shut down, sign out, or restart. It’s intended to preserve your workflow, but in practice it can reopen unwanted programs, slow sign‑in, and create a cluttered desktop. Disabling the feature is a one‑click tweak that stops Windows from relaunching those “ghost” apps while still letting you control precisely what actually starts at boot via the built‑in Startup apps manager.
This article explains how the restart behavior works, why it sometimes misbehaves, how to turn it off, and what alternatives and hardening options are available for power users and IT administrators. The technical points and configuration steps described here have been verified against Microsoft documentation and major Windows outlets.

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Background: how Windows remembers your last session​

What the Restart apps feature does​

When you shut down or restart a PC, Windows can bookmark the applications that were running and attempt to relaunch the ones that are restartable the next time you sign in. That behavior is separate from the classic startup apps list and is controlled by the Restart apps toggle in Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options.

• The feature targets apps that explicitly support restart behavior (UWP/Store apps and apps that register for restart).
• On restart, Windows tries to relaunch those apps in the same user session so you don’t have to manually reopen everything.
• The setting is off by default in consumer builds; it must be enabled by the user (or by management policies) to take effect.

This consolidated control was introduced as part of Windows 10’s updates around the 20H1/May 2020 timeframe and later exposed more broadly in Settings so users could turn it on or off independently of other sign‑in automation options.

Which apps are “restartable”?​

Not every piece of software on Windows is automatically restartable. There are three general categories:

• UWP / Microsoft Store apps: Most modern Store apps are restartable; Windows will often relaunch them in a minimized or suspended state to reduce lock‑up during sign‑in.
• Apps that explicitly register for restart: Desktop apps can opt in by using Windows APIs such as RegisterApplicationRestart or the Restart Manager APIs. When those APIs are used, Windows knows the app is restartable.
• Legacy Win32 apps: Many older Win32 programs do not support automatic restart by default; some can be made restartable by the developer, and some user‑level compatibility options exist to register individual executables for restart.

Because the ability to be restarted depends on the application, you may see inconsistent behavior: some apps you left open will reappear, others will not. That inconsistency is a frequent source of user frustration.

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Why this “helpful” feature sometimes becomes a nuisance​

Inconsistent results and unexpected relaunches​

The core problem is mismatch: Windows will reopen the apps it thinks are restartable, but that list isn’t always obvious or predictable. Typical annoyances include:

• Apps you closed earlier still reappearing because Windows bookmarked them at the wrong time.
• Certain background or helper apps starting even though you never configured them in Startup.
• Browsers (or browser tabs) re‑opening with pages you weren’t expecting.

Because restart behavior spans UWP, registered Win32 apps, and occasionally other helpers, it can feel like Windows “decides” what should run and start things you didn’t explicitly configure.

Slower sign‑in and desktop clutter​

Every program Windows attempts to relaunch adds CPU, disk, and memory work at sign‑in. For users who prefer a clean, fast boot, that can be an unwanted delay. Even a handful of additional relaunches can extend the spinning‑circle phase during login and cause a cluttered desktop when you expected a minimal environment.

Privacy and credential implications​

Restart-on‑sign‑in interacts with another Windows feature — Automatic Restart Sign‑On (ARSO) — that can use cached sign‑in credentials to let Windows finish update tasks and relaunch user apps after an update. ARSO stores derived credentials to permit an automatic sign‑in followed by a locked session so update processes can finish. Microsoft explicitly warns that ARSO has security implications (it persists credentials temporarily and relies on device security features such as BitLocker and TPM on managed devices). For privacy‑sensitive users, having Windows automatically reconstruct sessions — and potentially surface apps that show private content — is undesirable.

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The one‑click fix (and exactly how to do it)​

If the restart behavior is causing problems, turn the feature off. This stops Windows from re‑opening apps that were running before you restarted.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Accounts.
• Choose Sign‑in options.
• Scroll to the Additional settings / Restart apps section.
• Toggle off Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in.

Once switched off, Windows will stop attempting to restore the previous session’s restartable apps. If apps keep appearing nonetheless, see the troubleshooting section below.

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If you still need apps to start automatically: use Startup apps​

Turning off Restart apps doesn’t mean you have to open everything manually. Use the Startup apps control to specify exactly what should run at sign‑in:

• Open Settings > Apps > Startup.
• Toggle on the programs you want to launch automatically (Outlook, OneDrive, Slack, etc..
• Use Task Manager’s Startup tab for a more detailed view (impact level, publisher, enable/disable).

Advantages of Startup apps over Restart apps:

• Explicit control — only apps you enable are launched.
• Predictable performance — Task Manager reports each app’s startup impact.
• Centralized management — works well in enterprise scenarios and can be scripted or managed via Group Policy/MDM.

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Advanced: Shutdown flags, register-for-restart and the compatibility checkbox​

Shutdown command switches that affect restart behavior​

Windows has command‑line flags that control whether registered apps are restarted after a reboot:

• shutdown /g — restart and then restart any registered applications after the system boots.
• shutdown /sg — shutdown and, on next boot, restart registered applications.

Those flags specifically target apps that register with the Restart Manager APIs; they’re useful if you want to intentionally force a restart that brings registered apps back without enabling the general Restart apps toggle.

Registering apps for restart​

Developers can make Win32 applications restartable using the RegisterApplicationRestart API. For end users, Windows also exposes a convenience option on executable properties:

• Right‑click an .exe -> Properties -> Compatibility tab -> check Register this program for restart (option availability depends on Windows build).
• That can help for specific apps you want to reliably restart after a system restart.

Be aware that registering an app for restart does not guarantee it will recover unsaved state — behavior depends on the app’s own recovery features.

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Troubleshooting: apps still reopen after you turn the feature off​

If apps keep reappearing despite disabling Restart apps, check the following:

• Startup list: Some apps are configured in Settings > Apps > Startup or in the Task Manager Startup tab. Disable any unwanted entries there.
• Startup folders: Check both the per‑user and common Startup folders (%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup) for shortcuts.
• Task Scheduler: Scheduled tasks may launch apps at sign‑in. Inspect Task Scheduler for suspicious entries.
• Registered restart apps: Some apps register themselves via Windows APIs and may be restarted when you use shutdown /g. If these are the culprit, unregistering or changing the app’s compatibility flag may help.
• Automatic Restart Sign‑On (ARSO): On systems where ARSO is active, Windows may use saved credentials to finish update tasks and relaunch lock‑screen apps. If you want to prevent ARSO behavior, an administrator can disable it via Group Policy or a registry change (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\DisableAutomaticRestartSignOn set to 1). For typical home users, the ARSO toggle appears in Sign‑in options as Use my sign‑in info to automatically finish setting up after an update or restart — turning that off reduces automatic relaunch behavior tied to updates.

If you still see unexpected launches on a managed device (work or school), corporate policies or MDM profiles may override local settings; check with IT.

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Enterprise and security considerations​

For administrators, two separate Windows features are relevant:

• Restart apps (user control): Per‑user toggle that controls whether Windows saves the state of restartable apps and attempts to relaunch them on sign‑in.
• ARSO (Winlogon Automatic Restart Sign‑On): Server‑side policy and registry settings manage whether the last interactive user is automatically signed in and locked after a restart so update processing and lock‑screen apps can run. ARSO stores derived credentials temporarily and requires careful consideration in enterprise environments. Microsoft’s guidance: avoid ARSO on systems where physical security cannot be guaranteed or where DPAPI‑protected data security would be compromised.

Group Policy and MDM controls exist to configure ARSO behavior, and registry keys are available for automation. IT can disable ARSO centrally and prevent automatic relaunching of lock‑screen apps on managed endpoints.

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Pros and cons: when to keep Restart apps enabled​

There are legitimate reasons to use Restart apps:

• Workflow continuity: For users who genuinely want everything restored exactly as it was (especially on single‑user, trusted home devices), it can save a few clicks.
• Crash and recovery scenarios: Registered apps can be restored after system‑initiated restarts and certain crashes, improving resilience.
• Update convenience when paired with ARSO: Combined with ARSO, updates can complete while the device is temporarily unattended, and apps are ready when the user returns.

But weigh those gains against the downsides:

• Inconsistent app support causes frustration when some apps restart and others do not.
• Longer login times and transient resource contention during sign‑in.
• Potential privacy exposure if apps with sensitive content are unexpectedly reopened.
• Credential security concerns when ARSO is used on devices without adequate hardware protections.

For many users the predictable behavior of Startup apps (explicitly chosen programs) is the better long‑term approach.

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Practical recommendations and best practices​

• Turn off Restart apps if you want a clean, predictable sign‑in experience. Use Startup apps to control exactly what launches automatically.
• For privacy or security‑sensitive machines, also turn off Use my sign‑in info to automatically finish setting up after an update or restart. Administrators can control this centrally via Group Policy or registry.
• If a particular program keeps starting, check Task Scheduler, the Startup folders, and Task Manager. If an app registers for restart, inspect its Compatibility properties and unregister it if needed.
• Use shutdown /g or shutdown /sg deliberately if you want to restart and bring back only registered applications. Don’t rely on those switches if you want to prevent apps from reopening.
• Enterprise admins should review ARSO settings and evaluate device security (BitLocker/TPM) before enabling automatic restart sign‑on in managed environments.

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When the tweak doesn’t fix it: deeper troubleshooting steps​

• Confirm the Restart apps toggle is off for the specific user account (Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options). Sometimes apps reappear because the toggle is still on for another account that auto‑logs in.
• Inspect Task Manager > Startup for enabled apps and disable anything unwanted.
• Check the two Startup folders (user and common) for shortcuts. Remove any you don’t want.
• Search Task Scheduler for tasks set to run at sign‑in; disable or edit as appropriate.
• If you suspect ARSO is involved, disable Use my sign‑in info to automatically finish setting up after an update or restart in Sign‑in options. For enterprise control, set the registry key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\DisableAutomaticRestartSignOn = 1 or use the associated Group Policy.
• For persistent registered apps, consider unchecking Register this program for restart on the application’s Properties → Compatibility tab or consult the app vendor for instructions to disable registration.

If multiple machines show the same unwanted relaunch behavior, check whether a management profile, MDM policy, or vendor‑supplied helper (e.g., an update or cloud sync agent) is enabling restart behavior centrally.

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Final thoughts: a small tweak with a big UX difference​

Turning off the Restart apps toggle is a small change that often yields an outsized improvement in day‑to‑day experience: faster sign‑ins, fewer surprise windows, and a desktop that behaves the way you expect. For users who rely on a fixed set of always‑running tools, the Startup apps list provides a cleaner, predictable alternative.
The restartable apps feature has a good goal — preserving work after restarts — but because its behavior depends on app support, registered restart behavior, and interactions with ARSO, it can add unpredictability. For most people who prefer simple, reliable startups, the tweak described above is the sensible default.
If you want a concrete next step right now: open Settings, go to Accounts → Sign‑in options, and turn off Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in. Then, head to Settings → Apps → Startup and explicitly enable only the programs you want to see after login. The combination keeps your workflow ready while eliminating the random app reopens that frustrate mornings and slow down sign‑in.

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Source: MakeUseOf This quick tweak stopped Windows from reopening random apps I didn't ask for

 

[ChatGPT]

If you’ve ever tried to browse a years‑worth of phone photos on a 6‑inch screen, you already know why transferring them to a Windows PC matters: larger display, easier editing, safer backups, and the ability to curate and archive without burning phone storage. The simple guide you supplied lists five practical ways to move pictures from Android to Windows — USB cable, Windows Photos import, Google Photos, OneDrive camera backup, and Microsoft Phone Link — each with its own strengths, trade‑offs, and failure modes. This feature synthesizes those methods, verifies important technical details, flags limitations and privacy considerations, and offers clear, reliable workflows for everyday users and power users alike.

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Background / Overview​

Smartphones produce large numbers of images (and increasingly large video files) and run operating systems that expose their storage differently than typical USB drives. Windows has several native and Microsoft‑backed options to reach those files, while cloud services from Google and Microsoft provide wireless convenience and automatic backups. The core choices generally come down to:

• Speed and bulk capability (USB / direct file access).
• Convenience and always‑on sync (OneDrive, Google Photos).
• Quick wireless access for recent snaps (Phone Link).
• Import utility with metadata handling (Windows Photos app).

Each approach relies on a particular set of protocols and permissions: MTP/PTP for USB access, platform backup and sync for cloud services, and a companion/service pairing for Phone Link. The precise behavior — file visibility, supported formats, and transfer caps — can depend on Android build, OEM customizations, the Phone Link / Link to Windows app versions, and the Windows build. These dependencies explain why one method might work flawlessly for a user’s phone and fail for another.

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1) Plug your phone into your PC (USB) — fastest for bulk transfers​

How it works​

When you connect an Android phone via USB and choose the File transfer (MTP) or PTP mode on the phone, Windows mounts a device endpoint that exposes phone folders (often “Internal shared storage” → DCIM → Camera). You can then copy and paste, or drag files in File Explorer to transfer photos to your PC. This is the most direct method and avoids network dependence.

Step‑by‑step (concise)​

• Connect phone with a data‑capable USB cable (not a “charge‑only” cable).
• Unlock the phone; when prompted, set USB mode to File transfer (MTP).
• Open File Explorer on Windows and click the phone entry.
• Navigate to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera (or wherever your camera app stores images).
• Copy to a folder on your PC.

Strengths​

• Fastest throughput for large numbers of photos and videos.
• Works offline (no internet needed).
• Preserves original file names and metadata.

Weaknesses & gotchas​

• Some cables only support charging; swap cables if the device isn’t detected.
• Android’s media indexing can delay visibility of newly captured media on MTP; a phone restart or a “media rescan” app may be needed.
• HEIC/HEVC images and videos may not be viewable natively on Windows without additional codecs (Windows may prompt for HEIF/HEVC extensions). This can be an obstacle if you prefer to keep Apple/Android high‑efficiency formats.

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2) Use the Windows Photos app to import — more guided and metadata‑aware​

How it works​

The Windows Photos app can detect an attached phone and import photos, creating dated folders and allowing selection of new items. This is convenient when you want a guided import that organizes photos into the Pictures library by date.

Quick import steps​

• Connect phone via USB and set File transfer (MTP).
• Open Windows Photos app → Import → From a USB device.
• Allow the app to scan and then select the photos to import.
• Choose destination folder and click Import.

Strengths​

• Automatically organizes by date and creates import folders.
• Integrates with Photos app collection and basic editing tools.

Weaknesses​

• Slower scanning step for very large libraries.
• Less control over folder hierarchy; users who prefer manual folder structures may find it limiting.

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3) Use Google Photos — cloud backup then download​

How it works​

If your Android phone is set to back up camera pictures to Google Photos, you can access the same images in a browser on your PC and download selected images or a zipped set. This method is excellent if you already rely on Google’s backup for off‑device retention and want cross‑platform access.

Steps to download from Google Photos​

• On the phone: open Google Photos → Profile → Photos settings → Backup & sync → Turn on.
• On the PC: open Google Photos in a browser, sign in.
• Select photos (Shift+click to range‑select) → click the menu → Download (creates a ZIP).

Strengths​

• Automatic, continuous backup and off‑device safety.
• Cross‑platform accessibility — any device with a browser can reach the images.
• Useful when preparing to wipe a phone for trade‑in.

Weaknesses & considerations​

• Requires enough Google storage (free tier can fill quickly).
• Downloading large archives means waiting for a ZIP to be created and downloaded.
• If images are uploaded in “high quality” compressed mode, originals may be reduced unless you choose original quality and have space.

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4) Use Microsoft OneDrive — automatic camera backup into Windows folder​

How it works​

OneDrive’s mobile app offers a Camera backup option that uploads photos to your OneDrive Pictures folder. On Windows machines that sign in with the same Microsoft account and have OneDrive configured, photos appear automatically in File Explorer and sync to local storage if you choose to keep them locally. This method is tightly integrated with Windows and suits users who prefer Microsoft cloud services.

Setup (mobile)​

• Install OneDrive and sign in with Microsoft account.
• Open OneDrive → Photos tab → Turn on Camera backup.
• Configure upload preferences (Wi‑Fi only, cellular allowed, upload size).

Strengths​

• Seamless Windows integration; photos show up inside File Explorer → OneDrive.
• Automatic, background sync reduces manual steps.
• Local availability can be controlled per file/folder with Files On‑Demand.

Weaknesses​

• Uses Microsoft storage quota.
• Uploads can be delayed by battery optimization settings or network policies on some phones; you may need to disable battery optimizations for consistent uploads.

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5) Use Microsoft Phone Link (Link to Windows) — quick wireless access for recent photos​

How it works​

Phone Link on Windows paired with Link to Windows on Android provides a wired‑free continuity layer: messages, notifications, calls, and a view of recent photos are surfaced in the Phone Link app on the PC. You can right‑click photos and Save As to your PC, or drag them into applications in some configurations. Phone Link is optimized for quick access rather than bulk export.

Pairing & basics​

• Pair the PC and phone via QR code pairing in Phone Link and Link to Windows.
• Ensure both devices use the same Microsoft account and are on the same local network for best performance.

Strengths​

• Wireless and immediate for recent captures (screenshots, meeting photos).
• Supports messaging and call integration — makes the PC feel like the primary workspace.

Limitations & practical notes​

• Phone Link typically shows a capped set of recent images (commonly the most recent ~2,000), not the entire gallery. That makes it unsuitable for full backups.
• There’s no built‑in batch‑download of multiple images in many Phone Link builds — it’s best for grabbing single images or small counts.
• Transfer performance and features vary by OEM and whether Link to Windows is preinstalled (Samsung and certain partners get deeper integration).

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Troubleshooting — what to try when transfers fail​

• Swap the USB cable and port: many “charging” cables don’t support data. If Windows doesn’t recognize the phone, the cable is the first suspect.
• Unlock the phone during connection: locked phones frequently block MTP/file access.
• Force an Android media rescan: if new photos aren’t visible over MTP, restart the phone or use a media rescan utility to refresh the phone’s media database.
• Check battery optimization: aggressive OEM battery managers can prevent background uploads (OneDrive/Google Photos) or stop Link to Windows from running reliably; exempt these apps from battery optimizations.
• Verify permissions: for Phone Link, grant Storage/File permissions and notification access on the phone. For OneDrive/Google Photos, confirm Backup/Camera upload is enabled.
• Network and account parity: Phone Link pairing works best when both devices share the same Microsoft account and are on the same Wi‑Fi; firewalls, VPNs, or network isolation can block pairing.
• If HEIC images won’t open in Windows, install the HEIF/HEVC codecs from the Microsoft Store or convert files on the phone before transfer.

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Security, privacy and enterprise considerations​

• Permissions are explicit for Phone Link and Link to Windows (contacts, SMS, storage, notifications); users can revoke permissions anytime. For corporate devices, Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies may block companion apps or limit permissions. Treat corporate data policies as primary.
• Cloud backups (Google Photos, OneDrive) store your images in the cloud; review account security (strong password, multi‑factor authentication) and your subscription plan because storage limits determine whether originals are preserved or compressed.
• Phone Link traffic is encrypted by Microsoft, but claims of “end‑to‑end encryption” should be confirmed against the latest official documentation if you plan to move highly sensitive content. Enterprise administrators should evaluate the tool within existing security frameworks.

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Practical recommendations: which method to use and when​

• For one‑time full backup or moving thousands of photos and large videos: use USB (MTP). It’s the fastest, simplest, and free of cloud storage limits.
• For automatic, continuous off‑device safety and cross‑platform access: use Google Photos (if you already rely on Google) or OneDrive (if you prefer Microsoft integration). These remove manual steps and protect against lost/stolen phones.
• For immediate access to a few recent images without cables: use Phone Link, especially if you value message/call integration and quick drag‑and‑drop screenshots into desktop apps. Avoid it for bulk exports.
• For curated imports combined with Windows editing/metadata management: use Windows Photos app import when you want Windows to organize files by date and integrate with Photos editing tools.

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Advanced tips and workflows for power users​

• Combine methods: keep OneDrive or Google Photos as an always‑on backup, and copy a second offline archive to an external hard drive via USB for redundancy. This two‑tier strategy protects against cloud account lockouts, accidental deletions, and subscription lapses.
• Use selective sync (OneDrive Files On‑Demand) to conserve local disk space while keeping images visible in File Explorer.
• For scripted or automated bulk exports (power users): mount the device via MTP and use robust file managers or rsync‑like tools that support MTP/ADB for periodic archiving; when developer options are acceptable, tools like scrcpy or ADB can provide full device control and scripted pulls. Note: these require technical skill and sometimes explicit developer‑mode settings.
• If you regularly work with very large videos, prefer USB transfers and keep copies on an external SSD formatted for speed rather than moving them through wireless flows. Wireless transfers, including Phone Link, are convenient but can be slower or unreliable for very large files.

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What to watch for going forward (risks and platform changes)​

• Platform parity and capabilities evolve rapidly. Phone Link’s set of features and restrictions vary by OEM and Android version, and Microsoft’s focus on streaming/continuity over a local Android runtime has shifted how vendors integrate function. These architecture and business decisions affect long‑term behaviour; users should verify feature availability on their phone model and with the current Windows/Phone Link releases.
• Storage policy and pricing changes from Google and Microsoft alter long‑term cost of cloud backups. Monitor account quotas and plan for export if you shift providers.
• Claims about precise limits (for example, “Phone Link shows exactly 2,000 images”) can vary by app version and OEM implementation; treat such numbers as typical rather than absolute guarantees and check your app’s current release notes if you depend on exact behavior.

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Quick decision matrix (at a glance)​

• Need speed + large files → USB (MTP).
• Want automatic backup + cross‑device access → OneDrive or Google Photos.
• Need quick, wireless access to recent snaps + messaging integration → Phone Link.
• Want guided import and Photos app organization → Windows Photos import.

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Conclusion​

Transferring photos from Android to Windows is no longer a single “right” way — instead, it’s a toolbox. If your priority is speed and control, plug in a reliable USB cable and copy the DCIM folder. If your priority is automation and access from multiple devices, enable OneDrive or Google Photos camera backup. If you want occasional wireless convenience for screenshots and recent captures, Phone Link removes the cable fuss while keeping your PC as the primary workspace.
Each approach comes with trade‑offs in speed, privacy, and manageability. The best practice for most users is a hybrid: automatic cloud backup for safety (OneDrive or Google Photos) combined with periodic full offline exports by USB to an external drive for archival resilience. Follow the troubleshooting tips above to avoid common pitfalls like charging‑only cables, media indexing delays, and battery‑optimization roadblocks — and remember to secure your cloud accounts with strong authentication if you rely on backups.
Implement the method that fits your workflow, keep a backup strategy that includes an off‑cloud copy, and your photos will be ready for the big screen, editing, and long‑term archiving without the stress of hunting for that one precious shot.

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Source: ZDNET Transfer photos from your Android phone to your Windows PC - here are 5 easy ways to do it