My new PC will be delivered this week. I've never used 11. I've had 8 all this time. I spent the extra money to get Windows 11 Pro in the hopes I could avoid more annoyances that way. I just wasn't willing to jump into Unix.
I just want the desktop and not whatever new horrors Windows tries to force on you since 8. I have a Charms Bar killer app for 8. Why anybody would want super annoying non-desktop crap is beyond me.
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What can I do to eliminate annoyances - bloatware, spyware, etc.
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What should I do to protect my privacy from Microsoft? I want to turn everything off that reports to the fucking MS mothership.
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What apps, utilities, etc should I install? I'd like to use non-MS apps and utilities instead of whatever garbage comes with Windows.
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What apps, utilities, etc should I avoid?
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What am I forgetting to ask?
Ok, you don't wanna hear "don't use windows" so: You won't get rid of everything but I used the tool from Titus to unbloat some machines: https://christitus.com/windows-tool/ Microsoft really, really wants your data, so they will do qnyh possible to stop you from gaining the complete power over your device. You should be aware of that. Also, some things won't work if you secure and debloat your machine. This could get really annoying. Good luck!
I read your post a third time: You really don't want to share anything with MS. That's good. You should consider using a Linux (I prefer manjaro, btw ;) ) because if you really hate MS that much, you shouldn't use their products. If you don't want to use a Linux, you'll have to deal with MS. (Or Mac)