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.
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.
Thanks! I’ll investigate that one.