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if Windows 11 was launched in late 1998 it would be viewed as a scam or some form of malware

Back in 1998, Microsoft Windows was itself an "ill behaved application" by Microsoft's own definition.

> 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.