my two cents - install an older version of Windows 10. I use 20H2. You can find clean ISO files on the Internet Archive.
Disable automatic updates, and use services like Blackbird (getblackbird.net) to de-bloat your instance.
I see it the other way around. Linux just works, windows is the constant trouble shooting. Look at what you are talking about doing right now.
I have to work with Windows environments, I work with their desktop, servers, and cloud environment. I do it all from a Linux machine because it is reliable and the most predictable. Also the most sensible desktop to work from but that is another conversation.
This is the most tech-illiterate comment I’ve ever read
Just because you’re not “noticing any issues” doesn’t mean your system isn’t infested like a zombie’s gangrenous asshole
Even if you’re on an isolated network, not installing any applications, and you keep your browsers up to date: you’re not receiving mitigations for hardware-based exploits (like SPECTRE and RowHammer)
I strongly urge you to wipe that drive clean and change all your passwords if you’re using that system for anything other than the screensaver