Windows is regressing. 7 is better than 10, and 10 is better than 11. I run 10 on about 5 different systems, so they still get security patches. That won’t change until they are retired, which will happen when Microsoft no longer releases security patches for them, but at that point many will be 10-15 years old. I also have two new Windows 11 laptops, which are OK, but are honestly harder to use than Windows 7 was.
I also have Macs. The number is dwindling though, due to Apple blocking them from getting the latest security patches after about 6-8 years, which is not enough to have recouped my investment in them, in my opinion. Sure I could try to hack something on them, but my systems contain important data, and the point is to try to stop them from being hacked, not promote it.
But if Windows continues to regress, I may be forced to buy more Macs again and just accept they become obsolete a lot faster.
I have a lot of storage space never throw any computer hardware or software away. I have physical computers going back to the early 1980s... Timex Sinclair 1000, TI-99/4A, Commodore 64, Spectravideo sv-328, Atari, etc. etc. along with examples from nearly every generation of IBM PC types with both Intel and AMD processors. Most of them work although it is very important to check the power supplies before trying to boot any of them otherwise you can end up with some fried vintage equipment. I also have many virtual machines and emulator setups. Yes, I am a weirdo.
I am definitely a hold out when it comes to changing operating systems. I can vividly recall resisting the change from DOS with Word Perfect and Lotus 123 to Windows. And then resisting the change from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95. And I resisted the change from 95 to 98 to 2000. And then I resisted the change to Windows ME and then to XP, and then to 7. And I especially remember being angry about Microsoft using heavy handed tactics to force 10 down our throats.
But with 11 they decided to tell those of us with older hardware that we weren't invited to the party! How dare they! I am pretty sure that they are using some type of reverse psychology on us.
So, I definitely sympathize and feel the same way that you do. I especially hate it when your old hardware won't work with the newer operating systems. And it makes me mad when they screw with your ability to manage your menus, shortcuts, and favorites. But for that there are always work arounds. And usually until I spend some time with an operating system I feel like things are going backwards.
But, every time somehow, they eventually suck me in and I end up liking the operating system that I resisted. Windows 11 was released in October of 2021 and they have ironed out the bugs. If you buy a new PC that is likely what it is going to come with. So I don't really think that they are regressing. I dual boot most of my laptops and also use virtual machines. For me Linux is more of a supplementary play thing and Windows is my workhorse. I do not see that changing any time soon.