I'm posting here so I can remember to read and re-read through this. I just picked up a new 10 laptop and am completely lost on what's what and where. I might try to download a fresh windows to usb so I won't have to worry about bloat that's there somewhere.
Well Beatnik, what I do, when I have purchased a laptop is go to download.com, find IObit`s free program called IObit Uninstaller.
Download & install, run, look for any programs )OEM bloatware) that I don`t want(which is all), nor will ever use, then uninstall, and then use the function of it to find and permanently shred all the lingering residuals that Win`s uninstaller leaves.
That handy app will also remove any undesirable Win apps that show up in it`s section called Win programs..
That freeware is been handy for me stripping out all the OEM pre installed WORTHLESS CRAP, some of which is timed trial versions of Win office, Norton, etc.
Unless you wish to purchase another copy of Win 10 for reasons of upgrading the OS from what came with the laptop, you have already paid for that installed version, and might as well use it, in less it`s version is the slowest OS slug available.
Often, what I do is, unless the machine comes with a large enough drive, is purchase a bigger, and often faster drive( 5400rpm original to 7200rpm replacement upgrade), and transfer the original drive to the newer drive, then strip the BS bloatware from the new drive, and store the original for backup, but all 12 of my computers have SSD`s installed, so the same removal and store of the 7200RPM spindle drive applies for when I upgraded to the SSD..
FWIW. This works for me.
Good luck with whatever method you choose.
Have a great weekend Beatnik.
Kind regards, OKB