[catbertz]

Windows 8.1 is better than 7, if you use third party software to restore start menu and general ui.

That statement won't be true for much longer though. Apparently, MS is now sending data collection updates down the chain to earlier os versions. They will aligned with win10s behaviour.

[doorgunner69]

MS is now sending data collection updates down the chain to earlier os versions.

Turn off updates and do not download the crap. Just keep anti virus up to date.