You mention they still need windows for an accounting software, did you decide to go with another PC brand then and might I wonder if these issues would be different with another brand?
I chose a surface 5 because I was hoping the build quality would be better. I haven’t looked deeply into it - coming from outside the windows ecosystem for so long now I was hoping to achieve something with better support (ie return to Microsoft store) as opposed to trying to deal with an online support service that asks you to post your device in (they also live regionally so… electronics support is always an issue for them).
Overall the experience makes me think that it’s going to ultimately be a windows 11 issue (this is apparently the ultimate requirement for the accounting package) - unless the way another OEM configures manages to avoid the Microsoft account, advert pushing and O365 direct to New Outlook?
(As a side note, I’ve previously had them using parallels on a Mac. It worked but it was hard work. My parents are both brushing 70. They’re familiar with Outlook - when buttons change it blows their mind. I’m sure everyone in here has had to deal with parental tech support - now try managing it when you’re 900km away and they’re using an operating system you’re not even familiar with any more)
Yes, my experience with Windows 11 is that everything is constantly, in my case a Dell machine with extra OEM bloat to deal with. It can be harder for older people to deal with that, I'm already 30 and finding all that harder to navigate already.
Maybe sticking with an older version of that software that doesn't need windows 11 might be the best option if possible.
I do on site IT and carry scripts on a thumbdrive to remove crapware, disable cortana and block bing from search. I've cleaned hundreds of Win10/11 installs (some repeatedly, sadly).
Overall the experience makes me think that it’s going to ultimately be a windows 11 issue (this is apparently the ultimate requirement for the accounting package) - unless the way another OEM configures manages to avoid the Microsoft account, advert pushing and O365 direct to New Outlook?
(As a side note, I’ve previously had them using parallels on a Mac. It worked but it was hard work. My parents are both brushing 70. They’re familiar with Outlook - when buttons change it blows their mind. I’m sure everyone in here has had to deal with parental tech support - now try managing it when you’re 900km away and they’re using an operating system you’re not even familiar with any more)