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Alternatively you could have chosen to be curious about my response that deviates from your understanding.
I've used Windows 97 onwards, macOS around Mavericks, and various desktop Linux distros from around 2013.
I would have told you that I like Windows 11 (LTSC) because it is much more visually pleasing than 7/8/10. The OS works reliably and I overall enjoy using it much more than the Linux distros I tried out before the LTSC build was made available.
I like macOS Sequoia (and iOS 18) because Siri has gotten substantially better and I'm excited about Apple Intelligence. iOS 18 adds RCS which has been great and I actually do like Photos quite a bit, but I only moved to iCloud Photos while I was on the beta, so I can't compare to the old Photos app.
IMO a lot of complaints about new OS versions are just a plain psychological aversion to UI changes. I always try and give them a go with an open mind, and most of the time it's honestly just fine if not actually a bit better in some way.
I’ve specifically mentioned the LTSC build when mentioning Windows 11, which does not have the normal bloat.
The consumer version of Windows 11 is terrible IMO, but that’s more a business decision than a technical one.
You can defend advertising as ‘a business decision‘ but this is an actual product they are shipping as Windows 11. LTSC is also compromised due to business decisions, so there’s no clean option.
I did have to manually install some Windows components I needed, e.g. the Windows store, but other than that I haven't had a single issue in the last few months I've been on it.
I'm not going to defend the normal version of Windows 11 (it sucks), but, again, the LTSC build is excellent.
But in time you’ll see hardware compatibility and API features missing, at least based on earlier LTSC versions. Which is why I said it’s a business issue not an issue with that version of Windows. It’s stuff like not being able to use the latest Bluetooth or WiFi versions and occasional software compatibility problems.
If you’re fine using the same hardware and software for years as intended then it’s not a major problem, but it’s designed for ATM’s and medical devices not gaming etc.
I am outside the US, I'm running Windows 11, and I see no ads.
They include instructions for verifying the ISO integrity. Activation uses their tool but I believe the method is straightforward to do on your own.
I was a die-hard Mojave holdout until two months ago; if anything, preferring Snow Leopard or iOS 6 or whatever (review screenshots) seems to be the more contrarian take when considering contemporary workflows, device interoperability, and aesthetic cohesiveness. It's like pining for a Powerbook G4 or iMac G3 – nostalgic curiosities, but personally, I'm glad we've moved on.
Windows though... take me back to '98!