This is Microsoft’s latest annoying addition to Windows.
It actually does feel better to have done that; it’s unironically lifechanging to go to Linux as a daily driver.
Linux is not a brand; it’s not represented by any company, and, open-source as it is, it just doesn’t allow for the sort of shenanigans Microsoft or Apple are employing against their users.
The reason we are saying again and again to switch to Linux is because it really solves all those problems. Linux is good for desktop; run it as your main system (not a VM) for a week, and feel the difference yourself. Go with Manjaro, or Linux Mint, and amaze yourself.
Linux is most definitely a brand. One that is actively marketed. The fact that the marketing is done by volunteers doesn’t change that fact.
Linux doesn’t represent a company; besides, it’s not even an OS to begin with, it’s a kernel. And people recommend it because it is good and because most people have “Windows = computer” in their head, which is actively harmful for everyone and is a real form of unconscious brand loyalty.