I’ve never had to use Windows 11. I have Windows 10 on my main machine and toy around with different Linux distros on my spares.
Now that I’m building a computer for my folks, I’m faced with the real problem that Windows 11 is going to be a big shift for them (also using windows 10) and it’s going to contain so much crap (Copilot, Start Menu ads, etc) that is going to ruin the experience/overwhelm/turn them off.
I’ve read, with passing interest, about the myriad of “debloated” Windows installs, but never took a serious look at what is going on and what is good. Here’s where I hope c/technology can point me in the right direction. Thanks!
Edit - I should have known to expect the Linux suggestions despite specifically asking about modifications to Windows. Linux is not an option due legacy software compatibility - they do more than use a browser.
Here’s a really nice script to debloat a new Windows install. I bought a new Windows 11 laptop and this made it super easy:
I run O&O Shut Up 10 on every install of Windows 10 and 11 I need to suffer through. There’s still a bit of manual config to remove search bar and other GUI stuff but it’s a pretty great, free tool.
You also might want to script it to run on boot as Windows loves to revert changes after updates as another commentor noted.
