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So why it connects to a-0001.a-msedge.net when I type into start menu, with web search and cortana turned off?

You have to block outbound communication for "Search" in the Windows firewall. Regardless of whatever privacy settings you may have set.

Yes, I know.

I was trying to point out, that even when you disable everything using the provided controls, the OS still doesn't respect your choice.

Be careful regarding the searchui.exe firewall rule. It names specific assembly version - one silent update (is there any other in win10?) and your rule is invalid, instead a new rule that is enabled is suddenly in effect.

If you have a proven technique for making Windows 10 not phone home, post the details here.

You can't know if they are truly disabled, unlike ubuntu which is nowhere near what windows 10 does.

How many clicks and keypresses does it take to turn it all off?

1. F8 to boot from CD 2. Let DBAN do its job.

So, 1.