[daniel1212]

In the end, though, it all boils down to this: Windows 7 was created to be controlled by the user, but everything afterwards was created to be controlled by corporations. I will never that happen, and when I get to the point where I don't need either O/S I will migrate to Linux and completely cut ties with Microsoft.

Yet, with the help of of safe and free enhancements, you can improve Windows despite MS defaults and upgrades when not efficient.

There is Open Shell, download Open Shell (click on Releases>Latest on middle right side) to replace the mobile device W/11 start menu, and there is Explorer Patcher that restores the Windows 11 taskbar to be exactly like Windows 10, while Windows 7+ Taskbar Tweaker (I am using the beta ver.) provides more customization.
Then there are the over 200 tweaks available in Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 and now there is Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5 for Windows 11 from the Windows club.

Add to this the many Winaero features of the Winaero Tweaker

Add to this is Right-Click Extender (add items to many right click menus),

Thanks be to God for such, may it all be used for what is good in His eyes.

[ducttape45]

I already use many of the items you mention. But still, behind the curtain, Microsoft still lurks. I also like to keep my O/S as simple and uncluttered as possible, so I keep all of the possible tweaks in my W10 install to a minimum.

As I would tell the IT folks where I used to work, "I like things the way I like them. Simple, straightforward to the point "simple." That's why I use what I use the way I use it.