Started with Windows 7 I'd say.
https://www.ghacks.net/2017/02/11/blocking-telemetry-in-windows-7-and-8-1/

And they keep making it harder and harder to not use a Microsoft Account.

https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-is-removing-known-mechanisms-for-creating-a-local-account

If u are okay with piracy download windows server edition and u can use it very different

What's a winded window?

Years ago. Like post xp. MS hates its customers and it shows.

When it became the dominate OS run by a greedy corporation.

You might wanna check out this link
Not a perfect solution by any means but at least it makes Windows more privacy-friendly if you want to.

Windows 10 or 11?