For context I used and loved Windows since I was a teenager with Windows 3.1 but for me I just find an OS with such features to jarring for daily use. Also note Mac OS has its problems too. I was so excited for W11 and generally love most of it.

Oh and I run Linux on a Surface Laptop.

You can still use Windows 11 with just a local account, see for example https://www.windowscentral.com/how-set-windows-11-without-mi....

Yes you can however every so often I see the let’s finish setup screen will appear to prompt you, again you can continue without an account and then be nagged again.

Go to the Notifications page in Settings and untick “Offer Suggestions on How I Can Set Up My Device”.

Thank you that's useful, ill sure be setting it. I just wish it was not necessary, certainly in Pro version.