memes

Win11's telemetry load is significantly higher than already outrageous win10's to the point I feel it is a legitimate security risk.

Things like passing off your wifi passwords in plaintext to MS servers is really only the tip of the iceberg.

When w10 goes End of Life, I'll be buying 3rd party microcode patching from 0patch.

Screw w11 with every fiber of my being.

It's totally fine to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, it's basically the same thing. Overall it's better in some regards (like better HDR support, direct storage is coming and so on) and a bit worse in others (I do hate the new right click menu). No ads though and barely any difference to Windows 10 as far as I noticed in over a year of using it.

Windows 10 already had all that stuff, telemetry, a link to Candy Crush in the start menu, it's the same shit. Windows 11 didn't get worse in that regard at all.

So just do a fresh installation of Windows 11 (don't upgrade Windows versions, it's a mess in the background) and have fun.

I just built a desktop for Windows 11, unfortunately I need a Windows desktop in the house even though Debian is my main OS. Last desktop was 13 years old and just wasn't working for my needs anymore. Default 11 install is horribly bloated but I actually like the desktop environment now. Here's some stuff I did:

Customized USB image to bypass Microsoft account with easily found steps if you Google. Used Chris Titus Tech's tool to remove a bunch of shit, install apps, disable telemetry, configure windows update to security only. Used "Reclaim windows" script from github and customized for my purposes. After that I confirmed if all the shit was gone and did a remove-appxpackage for anything left, like widgets etc.

So I have a bare bones install, no Microsoft account, no Microsoft store, no "apps," no default associations to builtin tools, and a bunch of common foss utilities and all my favorite windows-dependent apps working. Can't believe it took the amount of effort it did but I like it now, given what my expectations were it definitely exceeded them.

Not from what I can tell. While upgrading will not detrimental from what I've heard (since you can upgrade a local account), there's a lot which I personally don't like about with Windows 11 which will make me want to not upgrade. If you have no intention of moving away from the Windows, it may be best to upgrade while MS is offering it.

Otherwise, if you are willing to take the plunge Linux is the better option if you are looking for an OS which has no ads, no adware bloat, and a UI to your liking. Mint or Zorin are a Good Windows like starting point if you are looking to get started.