Windows 10: Lock down Windows 10 or Just get over it

Afternoon All, I'm a long term reader of Seven, Eight and Ten forums. First post so be gentle.*Smile

I support a dozen or so family and friends PC's along with several of my own. Windows 10 has got me more perplexed than any other OS. I'm an early adopter of every version and lock them down as much as I can through Group Policy and vetting all the settings.

However I realise that I'm doing this for my family and friends too, without giving them the oppertunity to experience Windows 10 naturally for themselves.

Reading alot of tech magazines I have never came across an article where it can be proven that Windows 10 has ever used any data over the last three years for nefarious purposes. They are always on either side of the fence, Microsoft is evil or take of your tinfoil hat. This has left me in the middle chopping and changing OS's and not really enjoying computing at the moment.

I am at a point in 2019 where I think sod it let Windows 10 use the express settings and just move on enjoying all the cloud applications, cortana, timeline etc... rather than locking everything down. Surely if there were any truly terrible privacy and security invasions someone would have discovered them since 2015.

So I'm after a bit of advice, should I go with my gut and lack of evidence and trust Windows 10 to manage all our data safely.

Many Thanks

:)

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Unlocked Realtek HD Audio Drivers Windows 7 & 8 (With Dolby Digital Live and DTS Interactive)

DTS supported natively by Windows 8/8.1 and it should work on windows 10 too just DDL require to unlock your driver .

 

Is it time for Windows 10 already?

Here's a good step by step guide on doing a fresh install.

How to clean install Windows 10 from a USB drive - Software - Feature - HEXUS.net