+1 to the use of ClassicShell (now OpenShell), which puts back the old win7 start menu (or a few other choices). Articles indicate it works for win11 ...
It doesn't really matter which OS version they release ... I usually mod it to do what I want out of it (same for linux) ... takes a bit of 'net research and implementation, but I end up with a stripped down version of Win, built and operated the way I require.
Install the OS once, stripped of bloatware, to the SSD drive. All user/home stuff to an HDD (so it doesn't pollute the SSD drive). Turn off updates (until I want to run them), install my preferred app set (java, browsers, utilities, apps). Image the SSD once, update every once in a while. Backup only the hdd drive with user/home stuff (very small data backups from here on out).
Easy to patch, recover, etc.
If wanting a really pristine build, install DeepFreeze or similar to it, and protect it from unwanted changes being pushed at you, or inadvertent munges from software being tested. And of course, utilize VM software as much as possible ...
Hope this helps ...