Escaping Windows?

Windows is far from perfect, however myself, and almost all of my acquaintances are using NINA without any issue.

Could we help you stabilize your windows install? Maybe somethings wrong.

Honestly, I really don’t find Windows to be unstable. I can’t remember the last time I had the OS crash. In that respect it has improved a lot over the years. I think the bigger problem comes from what Microsoft wants verses what a small subset of users want. A least for now, there are proven ways to tame the beast.

I am tired of windows “owning” my computer. I looked into it a bit there is linux but then no NINA.

What issues are you having ?

I’ve been using KStars/Ekos/INDI on Linux (also compatible with Mac) since I began astrophotography in 2017.

The system is very reliable, but stability takes time, likely as much effort as stabilizing the Windows platform you are using.

Linux as an OS is very stable, but Ekos/INDI is continuously developed by the community, so you may frequently encounter bugs in the software and drivers.

On the plus side, the dev community is very responsive and eager to help fix issues and alternatively you can create your own fixes: I wrote my own drivers for the roof and weather station.

The scheduler may be less advanced and flexible compared to NINA (which I’ve only seen in a demo), but it meets my needs.

If you’re interested, I can also show you how my observatory operates, but if you’re new to Linux, I recommend sticking with Windows or starting with ASI AIR or Stellarmate.

Tony Gondola · Sep 12, 2025, 01:24 PM

Spoken like a true Linux user…

Stubbornly since 1996…

Ferrante Enriques · Sep 12, 2025, 01:54 PM

Tony Gondola · Sep 12, 2025, 01:24 PM

Spoken like a true Linux user…

Stubbornly since 1996…

I tip my glass…

If you can live without certain programs then go for it. You can do a dual boot or run it off an external drive so if it’s not working for you over time you can just get rid of it.

Tony Gondola · Sep 12, 2025 at 04:24 PM

If you can live without certain programs then go for it. You can do a dual boot or run it off an external drive so if it’s not working for you over time you can just get rid of it.

I’ve used and continue to use the external SSD route for my Linux instantiation. It works well enough with usb 3.0.

Hi Sean,

Could you please clarify what you mean by instability? This will help us avoid making incorrect assumptions.

I’m using a Windows 10 machine for a couple of years now and don’t remember having any issues.

When a functioning system suddenly stops working, it can often be attributed to various changes to that system. Therefore, to maintain system functionality, it’s best to minimize and, if possible, avoid any changes.

First, let me rough out a list of potential changes to the system:

• Software changes: operating system updates, driver updates, new installations or updates to existing software, infection with malicious software, etc.

• Hardware changes: adding/removing components, component failures, connecting or disconnecting peripherals, etc.

• Configuration changes: system settings modifications, changes to the registry, etc.

• User actions: unintentional deletion of system files or applications, misconfigured software or system settings, etc.

The changes can occur not only individually but also in combination, which makes it even harder to identify and troubleshoot a problem.

As you can already guess, the broader the usage of the machine, the more reasons it has to change. For example, a laptop used for personal or work-related tasks has reasons to change that go beyond N.I.N.A or ASCOM driver updates.

With that said, here my approach to a stable functioning system:

• 1. Have a dedicated imaging computer. Install only the image acquisition software (N.I.N.A, Voyager, INDIGO, etc.), its dependencies, possibly a guiding software (PHD2), and equipment drivers. Choose a mini PC (MeLe Quieter, Beelink, Fitlet 2) or a classic desktop, depending on your requirements.

• 2. Don’t expose the system to the internet. If you have to, then avoid connecting directly. Transfer files using a flash drive or card. While it’s possible to still infect the system (as mentioned in points 5 and 6), there’s nothing of value on the system other than the imaging data. Reinstalling or restoring the system should be a breeze.

• 3. Disable automatic system updates. Consider locking the system to a specific (stable) version e.g. Windows 10 22H2. All updates should be vetted and done manually.

• 4. Use the system with a user account that has no administrative privileges. This minimizes unintentional changes and accidental misconfigurations.

• 5. Remove all antivirus software. Not only does it slow down the system, but it can also modify it. See point #2.

• 6. Use a separate disk space (dedicated disk partition, fast SD card, etc.) for your imaging data. You’ll appreciate reinstalling/restoring the system without having to worry about your data.

• 7. Connect peripherals to the same ports. Visual markers or stickers can help keep track of where each peripheral goes.

• 8. Configure your router to always assign the same IP address to the PC. This way, you won’t have to scan the network when the PC disconnects (for any reason).

The above is an elaboration on the adage “if it works, don’t touch it,” which is valid for any imaging system. I hope this helps.

Clear skies.

Look I’ve been dumping on Microsoft (aka “M$”) and Windows since I first played around with Red Hat 5 in de mid 90s. (Yes, I was that kind of Linux fanboy). And I’m still using different kinds of linux every day on my day job. But I’ll also admit that modern Windows (XP past SP2, 7 and up) versions are pretty damn stable UNLESS your hardware has issues. Sure they phone home more than I’d like and they seem to be making the user experience worse intentionally (Copilot in freaking Notepad, Ads in Explorer?!) and those are good reasons to look elsewhere but plain crashing isn’t normal.

Make OS check itself (“sfc /scannow” & “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" from an admin command prompt) to rule out any corruption from a bad update, if necessary use the Reset Windows feature but if those don’t do the job your hardware has issues.