I get that the comment is almost surely circlejerk, but it is also honestly the only real answer to OP's question, isn't it? To switch OS?

So it's kind of hard to get mad at their comment when it's the only viable option. Is your problem with Linux or is it the fact that it brings you anxiety to know MS is in control of you? What if we substitute another OS for "Linux"? Does that make you feel any better?

I'm honestly not trying to be a jerk; these are honest questions. That's probably saying more than for OP, though; they, of course, knew the answer before they asked.

Why are you expecting obscure Windows advice (MS obscures it because they want to continue nagging people to use their shit) from people who gave up entirely on Windows?

MS is nagging people to use products they don't want to and now you're nagging someone who doesn't use Windows for advice that they likely don't know and probably don't really care to find out.

There's probably a way to prevent this specific pop-up from appearing, but that solution may or may not apply to future pop-ups. The only way to guarantee windows will never nag you is to not use it. Even giving in will just prevent this particular nag.

I think this is the biggest help they can get. We are selflessly sharing what is free and works the best for you. You have to admit that we have no bad intentions.

It's not a jerk.

GNU/Linux literally gives you the ability to control your own operating system.

You can dose yourself in radiation until you're puking all over the place or you can actually cut the cancer out.

There are plenty of questions that linux isn't a great answer for, but for this question, it really is the solution.