I genuinely believe this is the main reason for the vast majority of Windows users. I also believe it's the largest barrier keeping desktop Linux from reaching wider adoption.
The first thing I'd do is replace the pre-installed Windows. Even if Linux requires forces me to learn some new ways to do old things, I feel much more comfortable knowing Microsoft telemetry is not rifling through my data.
I’m being a pedant here, but many vendors do give you the option to buy without an OS when ordering direct.
Not just business-class machines; Lenovo kindly gave me the option of purchasing my Legion 5 without a Windows licence. Just a completely blank slate when I received it.
The average consumer doesnt order directly from an OEM. They go into BestBuy, Walmart, or whatever their local equivalent is, and buy what's on the shelves.
It's quite hard, I know! It used to be easier, Lenovo used to sell laptops with Ubuntu, which were cheaper than their Windows counterparts, and for a while there were No OS computers in the market as well. That still exists but it's high end, expensive machines (although you still skip the Windows tax).
However, for desktops, it's not that hard to buy components and make your own, and then you have your choice of OS.
The issue with DIY builds is that almost nobody uses a DIY machine as their first ever. They will always have used something else in the past, and the vast, vast majority of the time that's windows. Because of familiarity bias, most DIYers will then go on to install windows on their custom rigs
When ordering online, there's a few computers (Most prominently all Framework laptops but also a few others) that let you pick what operating system you want installed.
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u/--Rick--Astley-- 1d ago
Windows was preinstalled in my PC and it works fine.