So I just started messing around with the settings in my windows and account tied to it. And good Lord, this thing’s just as bad as Android. 😒 ? The thing is literally saving all my inquiries and everything to my Microsoft account. I can’t even turn off some of these features as far as trying to stop them. Many privacy settings are also buried all over the place. When did this happen?
Started with Windows 7 I’d say.
https://www.ghacks.net/2017/02/11/blocking-telemetry-in-windows-7-and-8-1/
Really kicked in with Windows 8 though, that’s when they started pushing the Microsoft Store app to install programs. If I recall correctly Secure Boot also became the standard requirement to install Windows in 8.1.
In other words, began with 7 but kicked into high gear with 8.
But up until recently you could download packages and utilities directly from their site, now you are forced to do it through Microsoft Store. I just started this new Win11 laptop and right after debloating the shit out of it I noticed the updates didn’t install HEIC and AV1 codecs and there was no way for me to install them without getting Microsoft Store back, so I restored it and downloaded them and then removed Windows Store… guess what? Removing it removed the downloads as well lol