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

submitted 7 months ago* (last edited 7 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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[–] Crozekiel@lemmy.zip 6 points 7 months ago (4 children)

Frankly, the way MS has been heading for the last decade, you either get OK with their official bloat and trackers or you switch to Linux. Anything else is just lying to yourself. That's why you are getting those recommendations.

I'm also suspect of legacy software (not proprietary, but legacy) being supported in Windows 11 that wine can't handle. The only stuff I've ran into that won't run is DRM laden trash, and if that's the case I wouldn't classify it as 'legacy' if their call home servers are still running and supported.

[–] uninvitedguest@lemmy.ca 8 points 7 months ago (3 children)

Not sure how you see catering to the needs and abilities of the elderly as lying to myself.

I don't live with my folks, I'm not providing day to day tech support, they install and uninstall their own software, I can't just set it up once and it stays static for them, and they aren't going to learn the ins and outs of WINE.

You're trying to rewrite the parameters of the ask and posturing while you're doing it.

[–] Crozekiel@lemmy.zip 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (2 children)

I’m not providing day to day tech support

This is the problem. Debloating Windows is a tug of war with Microsoft. Many here have pointed out you'd need to likely re-run the scripts after Windows Updates. After getting over the initial hump, you are likely going to be needed less day by day going the Linux route (or give up on them actually using a debloated and tracker free Windows).

Either:

Your parents are sharper than you are giving them credit, and they'd likely pick it up pretty quick.
They really are as unsavvy as you say and should not be downloading and installing whatever software they think they need on Windows, and would likely be safer on any Linux distro with a gui package manager.

[–] uninvitedguest@lemmy.ca 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Do you find success in replying to RFP's by saying "your carefully thought through requirements, of which you are closest to in understanding, are wrong and should be discarded - look at my proposal instead"?

[–] Crozekiel@lemmy.zip 0 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

I'm just pointing out the perceived contradictions in the 'requirements', and explaining why you were likely getting "the Linux recommendation" you complained about in your edit.

Also, this isn't an 'RFP' - you aren't offering to pay anyone anything to do your dirty work. You asked for advice and appear to get mad when some of the advice you receive is not to your liking. Don't act entitled, it's literally free help/advice in a public forum. Even if someone's suggestions don't help you, they might help the next person with a similar situation/concern that comes looking for advice.