This is basis simply because there's a whole lot of apps out there that only work on Windows. The best case: Windows 11 Pro with BitLocker and a Local Account. Connect to the internet only after your setup is complete, fully update your system via Windows Update (you may need to check two or three times to get all updates) and install/update any drivers Windows Update might have missed.
First things first, although Windows is indeed a good system and it has literally all the apps you'll need, it's baked full of telemetry, useless apps and AI slop. To fix that, we'll need some tools:
The first of them is not available on AlternativeTo: Winslop. Download it here: https://github.com/builtbybel/Winslop It basically gets rid of everything AI on Windows.
This script also includes some of the tools listed bellow, such as Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility and RemoveWindowsAI.
This tool is great. It allows you to install apps, remove apps, tweak your system, and much more. I highly recommend it.
This tool helps you configure Windows to your liking. Basically God Mode on a modern interface.
Use this to download and update apps. All apps available on WinGet and Chocolatey are available here. Amazing tool.
The apps bellow seek to replace native Windows tools with great open source alternatives that offer more functionality.
