This is How I Configure Windows 10 (Premium)

Windows 10 is riddled with crapware and advertising, and it’s hobbled by an invasive and overly-aggressive updating schedule. And yet it’s still a better choice than Mac, Chromebook, or Linux, at least for my needs. So I’ve developed a strategy for minimizing the annoyances and optimizing Windows 10 to be as efficient as possible.

Most of these configuration changes are detailed in the Windows 10 Field Guide, which is now being updated for the latest Windows 10 version. In fact, that’s what inspired me to write this up: I recently updated the chapters for installing and personalizing Windows 10, and it occurred to me that I was perhaps overdue in explaining how I configure Windows 10 and why.

The “why” bit is partially general, in that I feel it will help most readers, and partially personal: There are features in Windows 10 that I simply will never use, and part of my initial configuration of this system---and, seriously, this is something I do dozens of times each year because I review and use so many different PCs---is designed to make it as efficient and distraction-free as possible. Obviously, you should assess each item listed here individually and determine what’s right for you.

Also, the order is important. This isn’t just what I do, it’s the order in which I do it, and the order in which I think it should be done. In other words, don’t skip ahead. Assess each item in order.

Finally, this list applies to any Windows 10 clean install. This includes configuring a new PC out of the box or blowing away an existing install and starting over with Reset this PC (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC), Fresh start (which is now found in Windows Security > Device Performance & health >  Fresh start), or USB-based install media.

Here we go.
During Setup
The following steps occur during Windows Setup.
Silence Cortana
In the opening screen of Windows Setup’s Out of Box Experience (OOBE), Cortana very loudly scats about how you can use your voice to set up Windows 10. To preserve my sanity, I immediately turn off her screeching by selecting the microphone icon (not the speaker icon for some reason) at the bottom of the screen.

Why: Almost no one would ever want to set up Windows 10 with their voice, so it’s unclear why this is on by default. And literally no one needs to be yelled at. This stupidity routinely scares the crap out of me when I’m not paying attention.
Connect to a wireless network
If your PC uses a Wi-Fi networking interface, you will be asked to connect to your Wi-Fi network before continuing with Setup. Do so. And when prompted, do not allow your PC to be seen by other PCs on your home network. (Those with wired Ethernet connections will not see this step.)

Why: You will correctly configure how your PC behaves on your local network later.
Do not sign-in with Microsoft (yet)
When prompted during Windows Setup to “sign in with Micros...