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Help me navigate the world of debloated/custom Windows 11 Installs (lemmy.ca)

submitted 7 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by uninvitedguest@lemmy.ca to c/technology@lemmy.world

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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.

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[–] Toes@ani.social 7 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Lots of others mentioned tools to remove the junk. Once you've done that it's mostly identical to windows 10.

Just be cautious if you use tools like Microsoft office or Xbox, some of the more zealous tools can break that. Additionally after major updates you may need to apply the fixes again.

If you can avoid the home edition, in favour of the professional edition you'll have more control over your PC.

Since you're familiar with Linux, the new LTS edition of kubuntu is available. I've had a lot of success with using it for my parents and elderly customers. So it might be worth exploring that possibility. I themed it to look like Windows XP for 1 of my customers and he's quite happy with it.

[–] arcosenautic@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

On a sidenote, what theme did you use for Kubuntu? I've scoured the webs for all kinds of themes and none do it justice.

[–] Toes@ani.social 3 points 6 months ago

This was a few years ago, so I don't remember the specific theme. However, KDE's default tools for managing themes are poor and a 3rd party tool such as Kvantum is essential for success. Most theme packs expect it and if you try to install them using the vanilla tools they often won't get you what they show in the screenshots on the kde page.