I agree, and while I only will use it when an employer supplies it, I think its still worthwhile learning the old history, you know, about when Windows was far more interesting than today.
My kingdom for a version of Windows for pro consumers that can be stripped down to remove all the nonsense we never asked for.
What are you using instead?
There are now many alternatives, looking at office culture today there is really no need for Windows anymore. Many even do their job a lot better with a tablet and a keyboard. The big problem is IT. Zealots that has to use Microsoft/Linux/MacOS/iOS/Android. I say this with decades of experience, different settings will always mean different choices usually it is not the best solution for the organization that wins.
In my case I went from Windows 11 to POP_OS! (I hope they rename this ridiculous to google name) though I kinda want something more bleeding edge just unsure which one hits the sweet spot.
Linux mostly - also I am forced to use Windows but I use it as linux cli shell.
I am just not interested in Windows per se anymore