Setting up your USB: https://x.com/ghost_motley/status/1804950177611927922
Getting the iso file for rufus: https://x.com/ghost_motley/status/1805021483892146249
Register using some Auto-KMS script, something like https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts might work, haven't checked in in a while.
You really don't have to do scorched earth and install linux. Just do a proper install of win 11 enterprise, with Rufus, and a few minutes disabling anything else you don't like. Also, use explorerpatcher https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher to fix various things like start menu, task bar, etc.
No ads, no Copilot AI, no search using bing, no telemetry, etc. etc. You can safely ignore all the doom and gloom about how windows is getting worse because if you remove all the crap its actually getting better.
this is pretty generous to windows. the insanely cynically close EOL for windows 10 (next year) aimed at forcing people to adopt this dogshit is what is finally pushing me to prepare to install linux on my main machine. i would strongly recommend doing that instead. especially considering the crazy hardware requirements for windows 11 there has never been a better time to push people to try linux really.
I do not have a computer that can officially run W11 and W11 is pushing all sorts of AI malware shit anyway so idk what to do. I'm not abandoning my Windows computer, it was free, is only 7 years old, and still mostly meets my gaming needs. I don't need the latest and greatest bloated AAA game. Yeah yeah, "put linux on it it's gotten so much better for playing computer games" but everytime a friend tries they complain about what a pain it is.
i recommend giving it a go at least. honestly these days a lot less shit breaks on user friendly distros like Ubuntu than shit breaks on my windows 10 install which is a constant pain in the ass just to keep stable. when people complain about Linux being a pain I notice they're often letting windows off easy in comparison because they're so conditioned to using it. shit breaks on windows all the time people are just more accustomed to dealing with that. and I understand I'm doing the thing you complained about but if you don't care about AAA there really has never been a better time to switch. with the proliferation of tools like proton a vast amount of games run on Linux out of the box even compared to 5 years ago.
I'm planning on installing Nobara Linux on my main machine when I finish the elden ring DLC and if I like it maybe I'll try to do a write-up on how to get it setup and working nice, the basics of package management etc because this is something I really, really think is worthwhile but I know it's hard without a Linux nerd looking over your shoulder to help and we do need more guides for total newbies.
You know what fair point. A windows 10 update broke my wireless about a year ago. There's a gigantic thread on the Intel forums of people sharing tips on what drivers fix it, run by a former Intel employee, but the fix didn't work on my machine so I use it offline or with Ethernet now.
I may as well find my Windows 10 OEM key and then give Linux a try. Worst case scenario I just reinstall Windows 10. Or, shit, there's 2 drives in this thing, I could dual boot off the 2nd drive.
dual booting is a great median if you're not quite ready to let go of windows, which can be for a number of understandable reasons. i encourage you to give Linux a shot though!