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.

  • NotRightMeow@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    7 months ago

    Rather than debloat, you could look at Win10 LTSC IoT edition. The only thing i think you might want to add back in, is the Store (maybe). It will activate with MAS, and gets security patches till 2032.

    • BearOfaTime@lemm.eeEnglish
      41·
      7 months ago

      And no monthly updates, just the 2x/year security updates, which means stuff doesn’t break randomly.

    • Uninvited Guest@lemmy.caOPEnglish
      2·
      7 months ago

      Thank you, this is an interesting approach. I’m presuming MAS is an activation toolkit?

      The machine I’m fixing up is a business unit with an embedded license - think I’ll need to bother with activation?