I haven't had anything to do with windows in like 5+ years. I need to set up a laptop with it for someone tomorrow, I'm guessing W11 is nowadays recommended? what's currently the best option for a hassle free experience (no ads, no random game installs, no migrations to onedrive, etc)?
last time I did it, I used the W10 ISO from Microsoft, applied the hwidsomething and ran some debloater from github. back then there were some ESR LTSC ISOs available on torrent sites, is that still a thing?
the install is going to use firefox, chrome, skype, libreoffice, etc., they all autoupdate themselves, so it's going to be reasonably secure. what's my best bet for a set & forget situation? thanks.
I would install 11 from an official ISO, and set the region/localization in the installer to English (world). This will prevent windows from installing any apps like TikTok, instagram, Spotify etc during the initial install, and you can change it to US English localization in the settings right after setup. During the setup you can also skip using a Microsoft account by pressing shift+f10 to open command prompt, then type “oobe\bypassnro” and hit enter. It’ll restart but that restores the “I don’t have internet” setup option that lets you make a local account. Then do a KMS activation since HWID recently got patched
I recommend Rufus for a hassle-free W11 install. Download the official iso from the Microsoft website and use Rufus to put it on a USB. Rufus has options to bypass the W11 hardware requirements and to bypass the need for Internet while installing W11. This will also disable the need to login to a Microsoft account.
There's workarounds by going into CMD during the Windows install but Rufus makes it a lot easier.
Why not Linux? They can surf and do most everything they want. Plus when they have a question, you'll be in a position to support it.
Try atlas os dor windows 11 but I would recommend windows 10 ltsc Iot edition. Unlock it using MAS AIO. And you are good to go. Minimal installation without needless simplification of windows 11. It also will obtain windows 10 support longer(research that).
I highly recommend switching to Linux.
But if you absolutely have to use Windows, I’d recommend getting the most up to date ISO direct from Microshit.
Then use Christ Titus Tech’s tool to debloat it.
for work, I use 11 pro education activated with KMS. removes some of the advertising and telemetry. i don't recommend using a debloated script for set and forget, just go through every privacy setting
