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.
This is such an amazing thread. Thank you to everyone giving good answers!
99/100 posts in Lemmy that mention windows issues are insanely unhelpful moshpits of Linux evangelists jibbering over and over about the solution to every windows problem being “install Linux.”
So thank you for these awesome, genuine solutions.