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Microsoft Signature PC Requirements Now Blocks Linux Installation: Reports
Reader sombragris writes: According to a well-documented forum thread, the Signature PC program by Microsoft now requires to lock down PCs. This user found out that his Lenovo Yoga 900 ISK2 UltraBook has the SSD in a proprietary RAID mode which Linux does not understand and the BIOS is also locked down so it could not be turned off. When he complained that he was unable to install Linux, the answer he got was: "This system has a Signature Edition of Windows 10 Home installed. It is locked per our agreement with Microsoft."
Even worse, as the original poster said, "[t]he Yoga 900 ISK2 at Best Buy is not labeled as a Signature Edition PC, but apparently it is one, and Lenovo's agreement with Microsoft includes making sure Linux can't be installed." As some commenter said: "If you buy a computer with this level of lockdown you should be told."
There is also a report on ZDNet which looks very understanding towards Lenovo, but the fact remains: the SSD is locked down in a proprietary RAID mode that cannot be turned off.
Even worse, as the original poster said, "[t]he Yoga 900 ISK2 at Best Buy is not labeled as a Signature Edition PC, but apparently it is one, and Lenovo's agreement with Microsoft includes making sure Linux can't be installed." As some commenter said: "If you buy a computer with this level of lockdown you should be told."
There is also a report on ZDNet which looks very understanding towards Lenovo, but the fact remains: the SSD is locked down in a proprietary RAID mode that cannot be turned off.
Exactly what I was going to say.
Along with secure boot and other locked down UEFI/BIOS settings, there are probably other requirements MS is stipulating for their "Signature" version of Windows.
Windows has had a long history of getting blamed for things that are inherently problems with diverse hardware.
This is Microsoft's attempt to make a Windows appliance, not unlike Google's Pixel series or Apple's Macs/iDevices.
If you want a more general purpose computer which can run Linux, you certainly still have that option.
My eyes reflect the stars and a smile lights up my face.
So a single story from one user who doesn't seem particularly computer savvy is now definitive proof? I know you all hate Microsoft, but come on guys, be reasonable.
I have never owned or purchased ANYTHING from Apple. For this exact reason. A computer is a general use machine with the ability to install or create what I want with it. I don't own a smart TV because I have a PC connected to it. Which makes it even smarter.