If you’ve ever had a Mac that had become completely corrupted, or if you simply deleted the disk partitions, then you’ve probably discovered that Apple has a built-in solution. When you try to boot up the Mac, it will simply connect to the internet, download the version of macOS that came with your PC, and take you through the process of installing it.
[..]It seems that Microsoft has an idea in mind now that’s more similar to what Apple does. As discovered by Microsoft leakster WalkingCat, you’ll have the option to ‘cloud download’ Windows 10, or restore from the local image.
I used FTP installation on Mandrake Linux ages before this ever became an option for the Mac, so it’s not like this is exactly a very modern or novel feature. Still, better late than never I suppose, and it will make a Windows install a much less cumbersome process if you can’t find your installation medium.
I think the trick for a solution like this is seamlessness and no effort on the part of the user. For example, I would expect something like this to be integrated with the firmware of computers being sold by the vendors.
sklofur,
Could be concerning…When it comes to these kinds of built in system features one should always identify the ways that vendors might abuse it and take away owner freedoms. Ideally such a feature in the system bios would be vender neutral and allow the user to enter their own image download urls. Otherwise it could one day for vendor locking potential (ie prevent owners from installing old or alternative operating systems).
This will require firmware support, otherwise you’ll still require bootable media. It works well for Apple because they control the hardware too, so it’s easy to add and ensure that the firmware supports all the network interfaces present in the device.
bert64,
The way system recovery normally works in a typical OEM installation is to include the installation files in a hidden partition. From the very vague details provided, it sounds like they’re just adding another option: In addition to “Reset locally”, they added “Cloud Download”, but they’re not changing the system firmware.. Implementing this via new firmware would be possible, but would require publishing new industry standards, widespread testing, and manufacturer deployment into working products before companies like microsoft could use it themselves.
So previously you would need to use the Media Creation Tool to download the most recent ISO and either burn it to DVD or make a bootable USB, both ending up with an image that would be out-of-date in 6 months or less. Or you could use the suppliers image (including some wanted drivers and some unwanted programs) that would already be out of date the moment you got your pc.
And soon you could just “PXE-boot to the cloud-download” and always be up2date…pretty sweet!
Bonus for everyone that is ever going to reset his pc from scratch (so without drivers and crapware): dism /online /export-driver /destination:U:\backup\drivers\machine_description\2019-07-30
(and if you cannot understand the above command you shouldn’t be resetting your pc!)
That feature is not for real “pro’s” as we have done local backup of our machines at home, for the last +30 years or so. Yet for the average joe that are in no way strong with technology, and do not give a flying F about giving up 100% control of own data. Then this is a good idea.
“I used FTP installation on Mandrake Linux ages before this ever became an option for the Mac, so it’s not like this is exactly a very modern or novel feature. Still, better late than never I suppose, and it will make a Windows install a much less cumbersome process if you can’t find your installation medium.”
Hope you’ve got a *FAST* and *CHEAP* internet connection available to you.
You really don’t want to inflict the horror of Fedora Live installs on unsuspecting Windows Users.