Windows 11 installation process and the increasing nuisance of bundled software

The podcast episode starts by discussing the unpleasant experience of performing a clean Windows installation, which has become increasingly burdensome over the years. The hosts recall instances of bundled games and Microsoft Store apps being automatically installed without consent. They highlight the frustration of removing these unwanted software, only to have them reinstall themselves later. The hosts also mention the annoyance of browser onboarding experiences, where users are subjected to multiple screens promoting features they may not be interested in. They connect this trend to a broader culture of monetization and ad bombardment, affecting various software products. The hosts express their dissatisfaction with the deteriorating user experience and emphasize the need for respect of user preferences.