Dark patterns killed my wife's Windows 11 installation
15 hours ago
- #OneDrive
- #Dark Patterns
- #Windows 11
- Wife unable to log into Windows 11 despite correct PIN, receiving 'Your credentials could not be verified' error.
- Attempts to troubleshoot via reboot, PIN reset, and password login fail; mysterious 'WsiAccount' appears.
- OneDrive found to be unexpectedly full (5500% of 5GB limit) due to unauthorized sync from new Samsung Galaxy S25.
- Windows 11 login issues persist despite freeing up space; hidden admin account accessed via WinRE to manually delete OneDrive data.
- Root cause identified: full root drive due to OneDrive sync, corrupting online account credentials.
- Final resolution: password reset via Microsoft account online after traditional methods fail.
- Criticism of dark patterns: Samsung enabling OneDrive sync without consent, Microsoft reinstalling OneDrive silently, and forcing online accounts.
- Windows 11 criticized for poor error handling, lack of warnings, and user-hostile design pushing subscriptions/ads.
- Call to abandon Windows for alternatives, citing systemic incompetence and malice.