Ok, so PSA: if you don't want "Spyware" don't use windows. In Forensics, you learn there are many many ways windows tracks what you do, some of which can be disabled but it is all architectures into the OS. If you looked at a specific folder in explorer, that can be proven in court, executed a specific program? At least 4-5 ways come to mind . Take a peek at c:\windows\system32\winevt\logs\ (equivalent of /var/log/) and that's just one place.
I mean the spyware has measurable and valuable security benefits. If you wanna really test your malware dev skills, leave cloud submission turned on Defender and write any basic malware (harmful not just undesirable) and avoid detection for longer than a day. It was very hard when I tried it (for legit purposes).
I bash on Linux because of all its problems (only because I love it and want to see it improve) but if you want privacy, use Linux, the cliche holds true. You can always use windows in vbox+seamless mode for most things or on a separate device if you can afford it.