I stopped using windows on my devices long ago in favor of Linux but when I periodically have to use it for IT assistance for family I am flabbergasted at how hostile and manipulative it is to the purported owner of the device. I can’t believe things have got this bad.
> I can't believe things have gotten this bad.
"Show me the incentive and I’ll show you the outcome." - Charlie Munger
I'm in the same boat as you, and every time I touch a Windows PC I am again and again surprised at all the junk they put in there by default. Not only Microsoft, but also the OEMs. So much junkware, so many accounts they want you to create, and all without any benefit to the user.