I’m right there with you. I have 35 years of Windows experience — 20 as an IT professional — and I just gave up on Windows in my personal life a few days ago and installed Linux. I’ve dabbled in the past with old machines running Linux or dual-booting (and never actually using it), but this time I went all in and installed it as my only option.
I can’t leave it behind professionally, so I’ll be riding along for this train wreck, but I will have some peace at home at least.
I'd argue that it's not Microsoft that stopped understanding the word "No", it's that it became owned by the entities that own all of the Fortune Global 500 companies and never knew such a word to begin with.
Hint: Blackrock, Vanguard.
About a year ago I switched my Windows machine to Kubuntu, and WOW! What an incredible OS that is. The best I've ever used.
Unfortunately... it's not compatible with many things I need. I then sold my computer and switched to Mac as a happy medium and it works well enough but I miss many things from Kubuntu.
Right now I seriously consider moving to Linux. Thing is, main issue before were either unfamiliar UI or bad performance. Windows 10/11 has fair share of these too with aggressive push for control panel replacements. But that's honestly minor obstacle. There are lots of pluses on functional front too like windows Terminal, winget, wsl.
Actual problem is Microsoft simply stopped understanding word "No". Always pushing some links that open Edge for no reason. Enabling click bait news I spend a while to get rid of. Randomly switching default save location to one drive. Full screen ads for O365 & One Drive every few updates.
I simply need OS to get out of my way and stay there.