If I may, Since it seems you make accurate assessments of performance (differently from here), have you already/even tried using LTSC 2021 unbloated by Slimdown10? Slimdown10 is not just for privacy (where just as @pm67310 advised me the standard LTSC version is already fine), but it is also for removing some more bloatware. Before possibly performing it please take a look at "Slimdown10.cmd" where you can change some default options. Just as an example, if you intend to use Windows Update (or related third-party managers) I suggest to set the following line from the default 0 to 1. Edit to add: Where if you leave the default option then you'll no longer be able to go back (at least I haven't managed it in any way) and you'll have to continue using Open-Shell instead of standard Start Menu app.